Very poaches BBC tech director as new chief information officer

Grest will join the etailer as a member of its executive team on December 21 and will oversee Very’s 350-strong technology team. 

He will report directly to the group’s chief executive Henry Birch. 

At the BBC, Grest led a 400-strong team of technologists as director of digital platforms. He oversaw the transformation of its digital and broadcast products into a tech platform, which powers the BBC’s iPlayer video streaming service and the Sounds audio app.   

Prior to his time at the BBC, Grest spent time at rival broadcasting corporation Sky, where he served as digital platform director.

In that role, he was responsible for IT delivery and transformation across the business, including for Sky News, Sky Sports and the Sky website.  

Grest also spearheaded the creation of Sky’s digital hub in Leeds, building a team of 650 people and implementing new agile ways of working across the business. 

The Very Group boss Birch said: “Technology and data underpin everything we do, including the digital journey that keeps our customers coming back to Very. Matt is a talented technologist and leader, with a track record for driving strong performance through tech and new ways of working. 

“Under his stewardship, I am confident we will continue to deliver the platforms we need to support our ambitions and make changes to the customer experience faster than ever before.”

Grest added: “The Very Group has a history of reinvention powered by technology and this is an exciting time to be joining the business. With more people shopping online than ever before and continued appetite for flexible ways to pay, providing the best possible experience – powered by technology and data – has never been more important.”