New Chair Appointed at Royal Television Society

LONDON: The Royal Television Society (RTS) has named Tom Mockridge as chair of the board of trustees, effective immediately.

Mockridge succeeds ITN CEO John Hardie, who has reached the end of his term. Mockridge is CEO of Virgin Media and a member of the executive leadership team of parent company Liberty Global, which he joined in 2013. Earlier, he worked for News Corporation in a number of senior roles around the globe. He began his career as a journalist in New Zealand and Australia.

A new vice chair has also been appointed at RTS, with Simon Pitts, ITV’s managing director of online, pay TV and interactive and technology, replacing Tim Davie, the CEO of BBC Worldwide and director of global. Davie will remain on the board of trustees. The RTS is also looking for a new president to take over for Sir Peter Bazalgette, who is leaving the position after six years.

Theresa Wise, CEO of the RTS, commented: “Over the last few years the RTS has seen extensive growth and change. John Hardie has been fundamental in this and I would like to thank him for his extraordinary contribution in helping me to transform the Society. Tim has also been a fantastically supportive member of the team and I look forward to continuing to work with him on the board. I would also like to thank Sir Peter Bazalgette. Over the past six years he has provided vital support to the RTS and will be missed.”

Wise continued: “Tom has a strong record for managing and chairing media companies and extensive industry knowledge. It is an honor to have a figure with Tom’s experience chairing the board of trustees and I look forward to working with him moving forward. Simon’s expertise and understanding of our operations made him the perfect candidate and I am delighted he has agreed to extend his role and be vice chair.”

Mockridge noted: “I am delighted to join the Royal Television Society, champion of the global success story that is U.K. television. Together with new Vice Chair Simon Pitts, the board and RTS members, I look forward to supporting the growth of U.K. television, at home and internationally.

“And, of course, we all owe a debt of gratitude to our departing President Sir Peter Bazalgette, whose dedication and commitment to championing the U.K. creative industries is second to none.”

Hardie said: “The RTS is a terrific advocate and champion for a sector whose creative, regulatory and commercial landscape is constantly shifting. In this period of great change, my five-year tenure as chair has been deeply rewarding and I believe that the RTS has contributed considerably to how we as an industry respond to the challenges and opportunities before us. I have no doubt that Tom will be an excellent chair and will continue to encourage debate and collaboration in our sector.”

Bazalgette added: “My congratulations to Tom and Simon. They take over at a time when the RTS is in rude health. It coincides with my stepping down as president after six hugely rewarding years. We all look forward to the RTS developing its role further as our industry’s premier forum.”