Press Releases

LOVEFiLM WELCOMES BEN LAVENDER AS GROUP DIGITAL AND PRODUCT DIRECTOR

LOVEFiLM, Europe's leading online DVD rental service and digital entertainment portal is pleased to announce the appointment of Ben Lavender as Group Digital and Product Director.

Ben joins LOVEFiLM fresh from the recent launch of the highly awaited BBC iPlayer, the online TV catch-up download service which he pioneered and directed during his time at the organisation - winning a Royal Television Society Award for Technical Innovation in 2004 for the pilot service, iMP. Whilst at the BBC, Ben was also Project Manager for Celebdaq, the Bafta award winning online celebrity stock market (Best Online Entertainment Site 2004).

Ben will have two key areas of responsibility. First he will develop and own the LOVEFiLM product across all territories including UK, Nordics and Germany. This includes leading all new features and working with rest of the team to ensure delivery.

Secondly, he will be responsible for the strategy and execution of the LOVEFiLM digital service. His goal will be to further establish LOVEFiLM as a leader in the digital field across all territories.

Ben was formerly Technical Director at Mode and was instrumental in delivering a B2B platform for the online distribution of music, video and software online using DRM. As Business Systems Manager at Channel 5 from 1999, Ben devised and implemented the channel's strategy for internet broadcasting, leading development of reality TV online support amongst other achievements. Previously in 1997, Ben worked at MTV Europe as a Senior Business Analyst, inventing and implementing various interactive viewer functions. Additionally Ben has held roles at Callsoft, The Walt Disney Company and DTZ.

Ben said: "LOVEFiLM presents the next big opportunity for advancement in the digital download arena. At a time when video shops are becoming obsolete, the future for the film industry, both for rental and download opportunities undoubtedly lies online. LOVEFiLM has already shown its strength by transforming the traditional film rental business model, and will most definitely play a large role in its future advancement."

Commenting on the appointment, LOVEFiLM CEO Simon Calver said:

"It's great to have Ben on board - he's joining at an incredibly exciting time for LOVEFiLM and the development of our product. He is well respected as an innovator within his field and his expertise in the digital market and his knowledge of Digital Rights Management stands LOVEFiLM in good stead to continue the pace of growth in our progression into the download-to-burn market."

Ben was educated at the University of Brighton. He is married with one child, a qualified scuba diver and has recently become a keen surfer.