The appointment news comes on the day that STV Group revealed a hefty rise in half-yearly profits against the same period last year.

David Mortimer has been promoted to the role of CEO of STV Group’s production arm, STV Studios. Having been MD since 2018 ,and working alongside Group CEO Simon Pitts, Mortimer has overseen both organic and acquired growth.

Mortimer also led the growth of STV Studios’ in-house operation, home of shows 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, recently greenlit for a second run.

STV Studios has diversified its business to include deals with drama prodco Two Cities, whose police drama Blue Lights was renewed for a third and fourth series earlier this year, and factual entertainment Primal Media. In 2023, the company acquired Greenbird Media, taking STV’s total number of production labels to 20.

So far this year, STV Studios has commissioned nine new and returning titles, including more Bridge of Lies and new format, The Game of Wool. The drama division is currently in pre-production on its first Netflix commission, The Witness, about the notorious Rachel Nickell murder.

Mortimer said: “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.”

Simon Pitts, CEO of STV Group plc, commented: “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.”

STV saw a hefty rise in its total revenue in the first six months of 2024, boosted by an increase in STV Studios’ income. The newly-released half-year results are 20% up on the same period of 2023, with a total revenue of £90.4m against last year’s £75.3m, with adjusted operating profit up by 33% to £10.6m.