Exiting STV boss Simon Pitts named CEO at UK media firm Global

Simon Pitts

Simon Pitts, the outgoing CEO of Scottish broadcaster & producer STV, is joining UK-based radio and advertising firm Global as its new CEO.

Pitts revealed yesterday he would be leaving STV at the end of the year and Global has now confirmed he will replace Stephen Miron who is stepping down as CEO to become chairman.

Prior to STV, Pitts had spent 17 years at ITV where he was on the executive board for seven years and held roles including director of strategy & transformation and MD of online, pay TV, interactive & technology.

Ashley Tabor-King, founder & executive president of Global, said: “At STV, [Pitts] has led a hugely successful transformation, diversifying revenues and business operations to now include a high-growth streaming service and leading studios group alongside a traditional linear broadcast business, all of which is testament to his leadership skills, and importantly for Global, Simon’s experience of working within a similar business to ours.”

Pitts oversaw a push into production at STV and yesterday the company’s studio arm reported a tripling of its revenue from £23.9m in 2022 to £67.2m in 2023.

The unit now aims to double its revenue again, setting a target of £140m by the end of 2026, having acquired Greenbird from Keshet International.

Overall, the company reported a 22% revenue increase in its annual results, up to £168.4m from £137.8m in 2022, but adjusted operating profit fell from £25.8m in 2022 to £20.1m in 2023.