STV Group plc today confirms that David Mortimer has been promoted to the role of Chief Executive Officer of the company’s production arm, STV Studios. David has been Managing Director of the production group since November 2018 and during his tenure has helped deliver impressive growth across the division.
Alongside Group CEO, Simon Pitts, David has led both organic and acquired growth at STV Studios, transforming it from an in-house production business to a mixed ecology group incorporating some of the most successful production companies in the UK. Early investments included deals with drama specialists Two Cities and factual entertainment indie Primal Media. David has also overseen the growing success of STV Studios’ in-house operation, home of titles including Screw, Bridge of Lies and The Yorkshire Auction House, and renewed the exclusive development/production relationship with Tod Productions, producer of AppleTV+ drama, Criminal Record. Last year saw the transformative acquisition of Greenbird Media, which increased the number of production labels in the STV family from 8 to 20, and the number of returning series in its mixed-genre portfolio from 12 to 34. In 2023, STV Studios reported a trebling of revenues and adjusted operating profit.
The business has continued its commissioning success in 2024, with nine new commissions and recommissions confirmed in the past two months. These include a second series of Criminal Record for Apple TV+; further series of hit quiz show, Bridge of Lies and its celebrity version; and new format, The Game of Wool, made by Hello Halo for Channel 4. Earlier this year, STV increased its stake in Northern Irish production company, Two Cities, who have been commissioned for a 3rd and 4th series of hit show, Blue Lights and are currently in production with an original drama, Amadeus, for Sky. STV Studios Drama is also making its first series for global streamer Netflix, The Witness.
A multi-award-winning producer, David is responsible for creating and producing hit shows like Dragons’ Den and Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends. Prior to joining STV, David headed up scripted and unscripted strategy at Tinopolis. Before this, he ran NBC Universal’s International Unscripted Group and had a 15-year career at the BBC both as a network commissioner and producer.
In his newly promoted role, David will continue to lead the growth of STV Studios, as it seeks to become the leading nations and regions producer in the UK, whilst also expanding its international portfolio.
STV Group plc continues to accelerate its diversification strategy, setting stretching new growth targets out to 2026, and recently announcing that Rufus Radcliffe will join the company as Group Chief Executive Officer in November.
Blockquote open STV Studios has been transformed in the last 6 years and I’m very excited by the mix of projects we have in production and development right now. Our progress is testament to the brilliant team I’m lucky enough to work with and the fantastic band of freelancers who’ve worked on our shows over the last few years. We’ve got the opportunity to continue to grow the business and make some great television over the next few years, so I’m grateful for this vote of confidence from Simon and the Board. Blockquote close
David Mortimer
Blockquote open This is an exciting promotion for David at what is a hugely important time for STV Studios. Our production division goes from strength to strength, despite the challenging commissioning environment, and we’re delighted that David will be driving its continued growth and success both domestically and internationally. Blockquote close
Simon Pitts