Albers will report to WDIG president Steve Wadsworth and will be responsible for leading technological breakthroughs on existing platforms as well as developing new technology solutions in support of the company's new media technology needs. He will begin on 2 January 2008.

Albers joins WDIG from MediaNet Digital, formerly MusicNet, where he served as senior VP and CTO, leading numerous high-profile digital music service launches including Microsoft Zune, MTV Urge, Yahoo! Music Unlimited, Virgin Red Pass and the Samsung media service in Europe. He was responsible for all aspects of product strategy, development and implementation.

"Bud's depth and breadth of experience in complex technology solutions and global business challenges will be invaluable to us as we pursue our mission to offer a compelling mix of interactive entertainment and information content and services for the Internet and mobile devices for audiences around the world," said Wadsworth.

Albers' experience also includes serving the role of senior VP and CTO at Getty Images.

A McKendree college graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in computing and information sciences in 1986, Albers was named in computer world's 'premier 100 IT leaders' in December 2007, an honour for leaders who have had a positive impact on their organisations through technology.

Albers will be based in WDIG's Seattle office.