David Mortimer upped to CEO of STV Studios as group reports strong growth

David Mortimer has been promoted to CEO of STV Studios (STVS), the production arm of Scottish broadcaster STV, as the group announced robust half-year results.

David Mortimer

Mortimer has been upped from MD, a role he held for almost six years.

Alongside outgoing group CEO Simon Pitts, Mortimer has led growth at STVS, overseeing in-house operations and the production of shows such as Screw, Bridge of Lies and The Yorkshire Auction House.

Last year saw the acquisition of UK-based indie production group Greenbird Media, increasing the number of STV labels from eight to 24, and STVS reported a trebling of revenues and adjusted operating profit in 2023.

STVS has confirmed nine new commissions and renewals in the past two months, including a second season of Criminal Record for Apple TV+, while STV Studios Drama is making its first series for Netflix, The Witness.

Mortimer has created and produced shows such as Dragons’ Den and Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends. Prior to joining STV, he was director of content at Tinopolis, overseeing strategy in both scripted and unscripted.

He served as senior VP of factual and entertainment at NBCUniversal between 2013 and 2017 and also held several roles during 15 years at the BBC, including creative head of factual entertainment.

Pitts, who is set to join UK radio and advertising giant Global as CEO next year, said: “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.”

Mortimer said: “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.”

The promotion was announced on the same day STV Group revealed its interim financial results for the first half of the year, which show strong revenue and profit growth.

Total revenue was up 20% from £75.3m (US$98.88m) in the first half of 2023 to £90.4m so far this year. Adjusted operating profit, meanwhile, rose 33% from £8m to £10.6m and total advertising revenue climbed 13% from £45.8m to £51.9m.

STV continues to be the most-watched primetime channel in Scotland for the seventh H1 in a row, with a viewing share of 22.2%. The average STV viewer watches its programming for an average of one hour and 45 minutes per day.

Revenue at STVS rose by 38% despite tough market conditions, with a strongest ever forward order book of £101m by the end of July.

STV Group’s digital division also delivered its most successful H1 results so far, with viewership of the UEFA Euro 2024 football competition driving growth. Online streams climbed by 4% to £73m, while VoD advertising revenue rose by 13%.

Pitts said: “Over the last six years STV has been successfully transformed into a digital-first media company with a high-growth streaming service and one of the UK’s leading television production groups.

“This strong progress continues in 2024, with revenue and profit both up materially in the first half, reflecting our audience performance, the improving advertising market and our creative strength in STV Studios, as we continue the successful execution of our growth plan.”