ITV Studios Strengthens Data and Insights Function

TV programme maker and distributor ITV Studios has appointed Jason Fletcher as SVP and Rebecca Ameson as VP, Data & Insights; while Felix Eccleshare joined recently as Senior Data Analyst. Business developers Yannis Ioannidis and Will Johnson also join.

All the new hires report up the chain to Tom Clark, EVP, Global Sales & Commercial Strategy.

ITV Studios is part of ITV PLC, which includes the UK's largest commercial broadcaster ITV and the ITVX streaming channel. The Studios create around 7,500 hours of original programming each year across 60 production labels, and the firm's global footprint spans 13 countries including the UK, US, Australia, France, Germany, The Nordics, Italy and the Netherlands. In January this year the group launched a new label, Zoo 55 dedicated to expanding its digital and gaming activity, and the new arrivals are intended to support growth opportunities for this and for the wider business.

The firm says the new hires will build on the work of its existing data and insights team, which underpins decision-making across the business. They also add senior leadership and experience in exploring business insights from a data perspective.

Fletcher (pictured), who started today, brings experience spanning data, analytics and content strategy, most recently from Sky, where he built and led a team of specialists responsible for advising on content partnerships including Netflix, HBO Max and Paramount+, and on Sky Studios' commissioning and acquisitions. Ameson moves across from ITV Studios Technology to join Fletcher's team, while Eccleshare, who was previously the Internal Communications and Engagement Lead at the BBC, will support them in delivering impactful insights across the business.

The expanded Business Development function will help identify and evaluate strategic opportunities from new content formats, off-air exploitation, catalogue expansion, commerce and other avenues - operating across Global Partnerships, Zoo 55 and Brand Licensing. Ioannidis joins as SVP, Business Development, following seven years at TikTok/ByteDance in London and Los Angeles, and earlier work for Deutsche Telekom's Pay TV & SVOD division. Johnson, who joins as Business Development Manager, moves from the ITV Studios Global Content team, where over five and a half years he rose from Coordinator to Senior Executive.

'Business Development and Data & Insights are two critical engines' says Clark, 'that will help us to identify significant growth drivers in the rapidly evolving global digital and media landscape. These functions are vital in informing strategic decision-making as we continue to grow ITV Studios' footprint around the world, and I'm thrilled to welcome these supremely talented individuals into the team.'

The group is online at www.itv.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.