STV Group CEO to Exit

Simon Pitts has informed the STV Group board that he is planning to step down as CEO over the next 12 months to take up a new appointment in Q1 2025.

The board has started a process to appoint a successor. Until his departure, Pitts will remain focused on the delivery of the company’s strategy and targets and on ensuring the effective transition of his responsibilities.

Pitts was appointed to the board in January 2018. Previously, he was on ITV’s executive board as managing director for online, pay TV, interactive and technology.

Paul Reynolds, chairman, said: “Simon has been an outstanding leader of STV over the past six years. As the architect of our diversification strategy, he has successfully led the transformation of STV from a linear broadcaster into a resilient content creation and digital streaming business with an exciting future.

“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Simon for his significant achievements to date and his ongoing commitment to implement the next phase of our growth strategy until he steps down over the next twelve months.”

Pitts said: “It has been a huge privilege to lead STV. Since 2018, we have become the most-watched peaktime TV channel in Scotland and retained that position for five years in a row, transformed STV Player into a high-growth streaming service, and created one of the U.K.’s leading TV production groups, and we have today set out further ambitious growth plans for the future.

“With STV’s latest diversification targets fully achieved, now is the right time to plan a smooth and orderly succession. Our leadership team is very strong, our strategy is clear, and it’s delivering. Our STV colleagues are doing a fantastic job producing world-class programs, news and digital and commercial products every day of the year, staying ahead of the competition and creating strong foundations for the future.

“I’d like to express my sincere thanks to Paul, former chair Margaret Ford and the rest of the board, as well as all my STV colleagues for their unstinting support, drive and creativity over six extremely enjoyable years.”