Xumo hires Sling TV builder Dan Lloyd to lead engineering

Free streaming service Xumo has hired former Sling TV executive Dan Lloyd as head of engineering. He will oversee new development and optimization of all engineering and technology operations.

Lloyd jumps to Xumo after four years at Sling TV as vice president of engineering. He helped create and deploy Dish Network’s virtual MVPD.

"Bringing a senior executive of Dan's caliber on board is critical to executing Xumo's aggressive expansion plans," said Xumo CEO Colin Petrie-Norris in a statement. "The company has achieved explosive growth over the past 12 months and strengthening our technology foothold will reinforce Xumo's leadership position in free, ad-supported OTT services as well as pave the way for exciting new opportunities. Dan will join our team of exceptional executive leaders who've been integral to our success to date, where his proven skills will complement those of existing senior management."

"Technology is the backbone of streaming media and data-driven companies like Xumo, a leading contender that I believe is at the forefront of the industry," noted Lloyd. "The opportunity to enhance Xumo's infrastructure and impressive engineering capabilities is one that I look forward to spearheading so the company not only continues to provide a superior, free streaming service to millions of viewers, but will allow Xumo to seamlessly expand its reach through additional platforms and integrations in the future."

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For Dish, Lloyd is the latest departure in a recent string of exits by high-profile executives at the company. Vivek Khemka, executive vice president and chief technology officer, is leaving the company effective Sept. 7. Steven Swain, senior vice president and chief financial officer, left the company last month.

For Xumo, the new hire and plans for “aggressive expansion” come after last month the company said it has seen a 325% rise in viewership and a 90% increase in user consumption over the past year.