ITV has appointed Paul Dale, a former BSkyB and BBC senior executive, as its chief technology officer, to address the technology "lag" that has put the broadcaster behind its rivals.

Dale, who is currently the CTO at Asian pay-TV operator Astro, will lead ITV's newly formed Technology and Platforms division, overseeing transmission and broadcast services. He will report to the chief executive Adam Crozier and will also join ITV's management board.

"Dale's arrival signals a commitment to reshape completely our digital future," said Crozier.

Dale noted that hiring a CTO on its management board indicates a major shift for the company, "which acknowledges that great content and technology go hand in hand to create a sustainable business that will take ITV into the future".

However, the new role is not expected to overlap with that of Carolyn Fairbairn, ITV's director of corporate development and strategy.