Simon Pitts, ITV’s MD for online, pay TV, interactive and technology, has been named as CEO of Scottish national broadcaster STV.
Pitts will join STV in January, replacing Rob Woodward. He has been with ITV for 17 years, holding a range of roles across corporate strategy, general management, digital media, policy and regulation.
Recent expansion of ITV’s digital services has included the relaunch of the broadcaster’s online presence as the ITV Hub, which has seen huge growth among younger viewers thanks to Love Island, and the launch of US joint-venture BritBox, which is a collaboration with the commercial arm of the BBC.
Pitts also oversaw ITV’s recent partnership with online youth network AwesomenessTV and eSports ventures that included investment in 24-hour video gaming channel Ginx eSports TV.
Margaret Ford, STV Group chairman, said: “Simon’s sector experience, drive and track record in delivering strategic change make him an ideal candidate to lead STV’s next phase of growth.”
Pitts added: “I have got to know STV well during my time at ITV and I’m excited by the opportunity to lead a company with such a strong brand and relationship with its audience. I’m looking forward to working with everyone at STV to make the most of its great potential in the future.”
