By Stuart Thomson

Technology outfit Firstlight Media has named former Verizon, Comcast Technology Solutions and Real Networks executive Chris Drake as SVP, global head of revenue. 

Drake will lead Firstlight Media’s global sales efforts to help Tier 1 content providers and distributors deploy streaming and entertainment platforms built on the company’s Gen5 architecture.

Firstlight Media’s Gen5 architecture is designed to build and run scalable applications in the cloud using cloud-native technologies, including containers, microservices, a service mesh, APIs, and immutable infrastructure, according to the company.

Drake joins from Verizon Media, where he has been global vice president, media and entertainment with responsibility for all aspects of the company’s broadcast, media, sports and operator businesses.

Previously, he spent two years as vice president, business and corporate development with Telestream and 10 years with thePlatform and Comcast Technology Solutions, where he ultimately became vice president, business development and strategic sales. He began his sales career with streaming media pioneer Real Networks.

“Chris Drake has been ahead of the streaming technology curve throughout his career. His deep and collaborative relationships with customers, his ability to build customer-centric sales teams, and his grasp of how best to wield Gen5’s massive potential all will benefit the industry by accelerating deployment of cloud-native platforms,” said  Chief Business Officer and co-founder of Firstlight Media, Paul Pastor.

“More dynamic, interactive, and personalized experiences coupled with the increasing role of data and the agility and power of the cloud are driving the next wave of growth and evolution of OTT. With the accelerated pace at which the OTT industry is evolving and the need to quickly adapt to and embrace change, Firstlight Media is uniquely positioned to address these trends to help the media organizations capitalize on that future,” said Drake.