Chakkara takes over from Emma Somerville who was promoted to the role of head of interactive TV programming earlier this year following the departure of Scott Gronmark who left to set up his own consultancy.
The 'red button' interactive TV service accompanies BBC programmes, offering additional information and viewing choices to digital TV viewers.
Joining in June, Chakkara will report to Ashley Highfield, director of new media & technology and will be responsible for strategic direction, planning and budgeting, commissioning of content and the overall branding of BBCi's interactive TV services.
"Rahul has an impressive track record of launching iTV services and developing brand awareness. His skill set will be an invaluable addition to the team and the development of BBCi's 24/7 services in the future. We look forward to welcoming Rahul on board," Highfield said.
At NDS Chakkara was responsible for global marketing of digital television and future technologies as director of marketing and interactive television.
Having begun his career in software engineering with ICL in 1987, he moved to Proctor & Gamble Europe as a brand manager in 1992 and rose to associate director for global interactive marketing.
At P&G he was involved in the development of the consumer goods giant's first interactive advertising, which was nominated for best interactive TV work at Milia in 2000.
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