Bart Spriester Named CTO of Encompass Digital Media

Encompass Digital Media announced the appointment of Bart Spriester as its Chief Technology Officer, effective April 9, 2012. Reporting to Bill Tillson, Encompass’ President and COO, Spriester will be focused on defining Encompass’ global technology strategy, cultivating key vendor relationships, and providing leadership in support of the engineering and IT teams across the company.

In this role, he will be working with the company’s technology partners to ensure that Encompass continues to innovate in the way it delivers linear and non-linear television to multiple devices in numerous countries.

“With facilities around the world and over 500 networks on the air, it was critical for us to fill this position with an individual who has an unparalleled track record in vision, leadership and technological innovation,” said Bill Tillson, president and COO of Encompass. “After an extensive search, it was evident that Bart would be a perfect fit for Encompass.”

Spriester joins Encompass from Cisco Systems, Inc/Scientific Atlanta where he most recently served as Vice President and General Manager for Digital Media Networks. In his 19-year career with Cisco/Scientific Atlantic, he was involved in emerging technology development including that of advanced video streaming technologies, product strategy and various executive management positions such as Managing Director for EMEA. He is also a published author and holds 12 U.S. patents.

“Encompass has built an extraordinary company over the last three years,” said Bart Spriester. “As a leading provider of media services worldwide, I see this as a unique opportunity to solidify and deploy the company’s global technical vision while collaborating with a team of highly respected industry executives.”

“Bart’s appointment as CTO will enhance our ability to deliver innovation in the way we capture, manage and distribute media for our clients around the world,” said Simon Bax, CEO of Encompass. “His extensive knowledge of existing and emerging digital media applications and solutions will help us deliver superior solutions for our clients.”