You.i TV Names First COO

You.i TV, an Ottawa-based firm that makes user interfaces for multiple platforms, has tapped Dan Beer as its first COO.

Beer previously led two IBM groups: the Performance Management software segment, and Mergers and Acquisition integration.  He was also with Cognos before IBM acquired it in 2008, and is also late of Oracle, WebGain, Insurance Engine and OmniMark.

The company’s You.i Engine enables partners to build video apps various platforms via a single codebase. It claims to have more than 3 million apps installed and counts customers such as Sony Crackle, Corus Entertainment, Turner Broadcasting and shomi, the SVOD joint venture of Rogers Communications and Shaw Communications.

Among recent moves, You.i TV teamed with Quickplay (now part of AT&T) to create custom apps and services for pay TV operators and programmers. You.i TV notched $15 million in funding last fall.

“Dan’s skills are uniquely suited to accelerate the next phase of You.i TV’s growth,” Jason Flick, CEO and co-founder of You.i TV, said in a statement.  “He has a keen understanding of software products, a history of building partner relationships that deliver on customer expectations, and the ability to sustain the startup flexibility that has contributed to You.i TV’s success. His expertise spans all fundamental areas – including forecasting, channels, operations and performance analytics – that are relevant to the company’s expansion on a global scale.”