STV hires former ITV executive as next boss

STV has appointed former ITV executive Rufus Radcliffe to become its next boss later this year.

The broadcaster said Mr Radcliffe will take over as chief executive from Simon Pitts, who revealed plans to step down in March.

On Friday morning, shareholders were informed the incoming chief will join STV from ITV on November 1.

Mr Radcliffe was a member of the executive committee at ITV and held the role of managing director of streaming, interactive and data.

He was responsible for the strategic development and successful launch of ITVX, ITV’s digital streaming service, in December 2022.

Over a 13-year career with ITV, he held the positions of chief marketing officer, where he ran all Direct-to-Consumer activities and led the brand transformation of ITV, as well as the marketing launch of BritBox.

He also served as group marketing and research director.

Prior to joining ITV, Mr Radcliffe spent nine years at Channel 4 rising to the position of controller of marketing, during which time the business launched E4 and the channels’ first streaming service, 4OD.

Paul Reynolds, chairman of STV Group, said: “The board is delighted to welcome Rufus to lead STV following a competitive selection process involving some of the best leadership talent in the UK media industry.

“We now embark on the next phase of STV’s exciting growth journey as a digital first, content-led business and Rufus brings with him a rare breadth of strategic and operational expertise from his previous significant industry roles.

“We very much look forward to working with him.”

Mr Radcliffe said: “STV is a great brand with an enviable track record of making high quality, must-watch content and has a strong relationship with viewers and advertisers.

“I’m thrilled to be joining and cannot wait to work with everyone at STV to build on the tremendous success and growth of the past few years.”

STV shares were up 1.6% at 260p in early trading as a result.