At Best Startup UK we track over 130,000 UK startups and over 500,000 people who hold key positions in these companies. We use this directory of startups to highlight top employees, founders and board members we think deserve more appreciation than they are currently getting.
This list showcases the top United Kingdom based Director operating in the TV space. If you think a Director is missing from this list, feel free to contact our editor on editor@beststartup.co.uk.
The individuals on this list have been included because of exceptional performance in one of the following categories:
- Innovation – Operating as a key part in an extremely innovative business or startup.
- Growth – Operating as a key figure in the growth and upscale of a market leading business or startup.
- Management – Showing exceptional management skills.
- Societal impact – Putting their business on the map for their positive societal or environmental impact.
Our Data – We source our data from OSINT (open source intelligence) and public directories such as Companies House UK, Crunchbase, SemRush and many more. The data from these sources should be treated with a degree of caution and verified yourself.
Neil McRae
Managing Director and Chief Architect of BT Global Services
Named after Neil Armstrong, Neil has a personal purpose of working to connect as many people together as possible, and this is been a driving force in his career. Since the early nineties Neil has been a leading innovator in the Internet and Telecommunications industry: from using open software to create one of the first service providers in the UK, to building several Global Telecommunications and Internet Networks. Neil has significant knowledge and experience in IP technologies and also significant experience with Optical, Mobile, Voice, xDSL, MPLS and Ethernet. He ran Network Engineering at COLT for ten years, (where he also contributed to COLT’s datacentre build) and ran Network Engineering at Cable and Wireless for four years. For the last four years Neil has led BT’s global network strategy, culminating in extending BT’s leading position in the Gartner magic quadrant, and supporting significant global network expansion. In addition, Neil has worked to expand BT’s footprint and capability in the UK, from BT’s fibre network through to Ethernet, Broadband and TV services. Neil is one of two ‘Distinguished Engineers’ in BT. Neil has been involved in the start-up of many internet governance and supporting organisations, and has been a non-executive director of the London Internet Exchange for fifteen years. Neil has studied leadership and management at Sloan School of Management. He is married with one daughter and has a passion for motorsports and technology.
Follow Neil McRae:
About BT Global Services: BT Global Services plc is a division of United Kingdom telecommunications operator BT Group.
Steve Wilson
Consumer Digital Director of BT Global Services
Follow Steve Wilson:
About BT Global Services: BT Global Services plc is a division of United Kingdom telecommunications operator BT Group.
Howard Watson
Managing Director – Architecture and Global IT Platforms of BT Global Services
Howard was appointed as CEO of BT’s Technology, Service and Operations division, and Group CIO, in January 2016. As CEO of TSO, Howard is in charge of the company’s ‘engine room’; thirteen thousand staff and eight thousand contractors responsible for BT’s core networks and IT systems across the globe. The division manages the company’s internal and external platforms – including TV, Mobile and Conferencing – as well as BT’s world class research and development arm at Adastral Park, Suffolk. BT TSO Previously, Howard was BT’s Chief Architect and MD Global IT Systems, and led the technical teams behind the launch of BT Sport in August 2013. In this role he also transformed the way software development is carried out at BT. He joined BT in October 2011, bringing 30 years of telecoms experience with him, including time spent at Virgin Media and Telewest, and as MD of Cartesian, a telecommunications consultancy and software company. Howard possesses a broad knowledge of technical and operational leadership with expertise in engineering, strategic development and business transformation. His areas of expertise include telephony, digital TV, IP services, high definition TV and ‘ultra’ high speed broadband. He also has experience of integrating networks and IT from his time in the cable industry, experience that will prove useful as BT integrates its network with EE’s. Howard is 53 years old with three children, and is also a qualified pilot.
Follow Howard Watson:
About BT Global Services: BT Global Services plc is a division of United Kingdom telecommunications operator BT Group.
Guillaume Sampic
Strategy Director and Internet of Things of BT Global Services
Follow Guillaume Sampic:
About BT Global Services: BT Global Services plc is a division of United Kingdom telecommunications operator BT Group.
Adrian Drury
Group Technology Strategy & Insight Director of Liberty Global
Adrian leads Liberty Global’s technology strategy group within the Liberty Technology & Innovation group, defining the roadmaps and assessing the technology choices, for entertainment and connectivity service delivery platforms that enable Liberty’s product roadmap. Adrian is educated at London School of Economics and London Business School.
Follow Adrian Drury:
About Liberty Global, Liberty Global, Liberty Global: Liberty Global is an international cable company providing television, broadband internet, and telephony services.
John Paul
Managing Director, Advanced Advertising and Data of Liberty Global
John Paul is Managing Director, Advanced Advertising and Data for Liberty Global and is based in the Company’s London office. He is responsible for the development of new advertising models, partnerships and employment of data across the company. John has over 25 years experience in the broadcast and cable sector with a focus on operations and emerging product strategy. Before rejoining Liberty Global in 2014 he was CTO of Special Broadcasting Service (SBS Australia), COO of Australia Network, and Founder & Managing Partner of Trident Media Partners where he advised Tier 1 media firms: NBC, News Corporation, Telstra and Foxtel on strategy and infrastructure. Prior to this, he was part of UGC, Liberty Global’s predecessor, where he worked in Australia on the launch of AUSTAR and its triple-play products and helped the company explore investment opportunities in Asia. He was a principal architect of Australia’s early pay TV industry – with Australis Media and has served on the boards of SANZAR (South Africa, New Zealand and Australia Rugby) and Freeview Australia. He began his career in family trade publishing businessTV Editorial Corporation and NBC Affiliate operations. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from American University and is a Dux graduate of the Royal Australian Naval College.
Follow John Paul:
About Liberty Global: Liberty Global is an international cable company providing television, broadband internet, and telephony services.
Peter Collins
Director Production Security of WarnerMedia
Follow Peter Collins:
About WarnerMedia: WarnerMedia is a media and entertainment company that creates and distributes premium and popular content to global audiences.
Simon Daglish
Group Commercial Director of ITV
After leaving school Simon decided that University was not for him and joined the army. This was followed by work in Venezuela, America and Australia before returning to the UK in 1991 to start work on the ‘new’ Daily Telegraph, which had recently been purchased by Conrad Black. Having managed the launch of the Saturday Magazine in 1995 he decided to set up his own publishing company, and in 1998 sold it to Tony O’Riley’s Independent Magazines. Simon then joined the fledgling Classic FM and within 4 years it had grown into the biggest commercial radio station in the UK and the most profitable. In 2005 Classic FM and its parent company GWR merged with Capital Radio and Simon became the Group Commercial Director. On the sale of GCap Media to Global, Simon left and joined the early social media revolution working for MySpace as Commercial Director. Simon joined ITV plc in January 2011 as Group Commercial Sales Director and was promoted to Deputy Managing Director, Commercial in January this year. In his free time he has rowed across the Irish Sea and walked to the South Pole, unsupported on both trips. He has also led an expedition to the North Pole with 4 wounded soldiers and HRH Prince Harry. Simon completed his second South Pole challenge in December 2013 for Walking With The Wounded, a charity which he founded and he has raised nearly £3 million for various charities.
Follow Simon Daglish:
About ITV: ITV is an integrated producer broadcaster, operating the largest commercial family of channels in the UK.
Tom Betts
Director of Corporate Strategy, Mergers & Acquisitions of ITV
Tom Betts is a Director of Corporate Strategy, Mergers & Acquisitions at ITV plc.
Follow Tom Betts:
About ITV: ITV is an integrated producer broadcaster, operating the largest commercial family of channels in the UK.
Steve Forde
Director of Digital Products of ITV
Steve Forde has nearly 20 years of digital marketing and product experience. He has spent the majority of that working for the UK’s leading broadcasters. Steve joined ITV in 2015 having spent a decade at Channel 4 where he headed up the marketing for 4oD and the award winning viewer data strategy. Steve joined ITV to launch of the ITV Hub, which has had a 43% increase in viewing in it’s first year. As the Director of Product and Online Marketing, Steve is responsible for the ITV Hub’s product and viewer strategy. Him and his team of product, engagement and experience professionals are placing the viewer at the heart of the end-to-end viewer experience vision.
Follow Steve Forde:
About ITV, ITV, ITV: ITV is an integrated producer broadcaster, operating the largest commercial family of channels in the UK.
David Padmore
Director of Accessibility of ITV
Follow David Padmore:
About ITV: ITV is an integrated producer broadcaster, operating the largest commercial family of channels in the UK.
Gary Knight
Commercial Content Director of ITV
Gary began his career in commercial TV almost 39 years ago when he joined the airtime Sales Dept of London Weekend Television. He has held many roles in ITV companies across the subsequent years, including the Executive Director of commercial Ventures at Granada & the Brand Partnership Director’s role at the newly merged ITV. In his present position he is responsible for Sponsorship, Digital Partnerships, Branded Content & Product placement activities. He is also the commercial team’s main link into ITV’s production & commissioning teams, giving him a unique insight into this world. Although born within the sound of Bow Bells, he now lives in deepest Kent, closer To Paris than London & only a boat ride across the icy seas to his Viking ancestors base on Norwegian shores. Launching a version of Coronation Street in the Chinese market remains one of his most “ interesting “ achievements to date.
Follow Gary Knight:
About ITV: ITV is an integrated producer broadcaster, operating the largest commercial family of channels in the UK.
Kirstin Furber
People Director of Channel 4
Follow Kirstin Furber:
About Channel 4: Channel 4 provides public broadcasting services via television.
Mehrad Noori
Director, Global Programming of Comcast NBCUniversal
Mehrad Noori is Director, Global Programming, NBCUniversal International Networks (NBCUIN), based at the company’s international headquarters in London. In this position, Noori acquires and produces scripted content for NBCUIN’s portfolio of channels (including Universal TV, SYFY and 13th Street). He is also responsible for creating original immersive content for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Noori most recently served as creator and executive producer on NBCUIN’s groundbre
Follow Mehrad Noori:
About Comcast NBCUniversal: A media and entertainment company.
Matt Campion
Founder & Creative Director of Spirit Digital Media
Matt is Founder & Creative Director of Spirit. Matt is a leading Content Producer for Television, Digital and Social platforms. He has extensive experience producing and directing highly successful interactive TV and multi-platform formats as well as managing a portfolio of successful Social Campaigns in the TV, Film and Gaming Industries. Previous to Spirit, Matt was an Executive Producer for Endemol where he launched and ran Gala TV, a 24/7 interactive Sky Channel for the largest national bingo brand, Gala Bingo. Matt oversees all creative output for Spirit, recently being responsible for a series of live spin-offs for C4 & E4 including: #WT4 (Channel4 News), Live in Chelsea (Made in Chelsea), GleasonFinale (Glee – Live from LA), Skins Live, T4 All-Stars and Home For The Holidays ‘Extra Stuffing’.
Follow Matt Campion:
About Spirit Digital Media: Multi award-winning, dynamic content creation, social media & analytics company.
Susan Vargo
Director of Live Theatricals of Nickelodeon
Follow Susan Vargo:
About Nickelodeon, Nickelodeon: Nickelodeon is a cable and satellite television network that features animated shows, movies, comedies, and programs aimed at children.
Joshua Nino De Guzman
CEO, Co-Founder & Director of Dexerto
Joshua Nino De Guzman is the CEO & Co-Founder at Dexerto
Follow Joshua Nino De Guzman:
About Dexerto: Dexerto is the world’s largest digital esports and gaming lifestyle platform news platform.
Chris Marsh
Co-Founder & Director of Dexerto
Follow Chris Marsh:
About Dexerto: Dexerto is the world’s largest digital esports and gaming lifestyle platform news platform.
Mike Kent
Co-Founder & Director of Dexerto
Follow Mike Kent:
About Dexerto: Dexerto is the world’s largest digital esports and gaming lifestyle platform news platform.
Andrew Barron
Chairman of the Board of Director of Com Hem
Andrew Barron was COO of Virgin Media and MTG, CEO of Chellomedia, Executive Vice-President Walt Disney Europe and management consultant at McKinsey & Co.
Follow Andrew Barron:
About : Com Hem is a communications company on a mission: to transform our business entirely around what customers want and need.
Andrea Pilgram
Managing Director of Once Upon a Time
Follow Andrea Pilgram:
About Once Upon a Time, Once Upon a Time: Once Upon a Time provides impactful integrated communication solutions.
James Jackson
Technology Director of Digital UK
James Jackson is the Technology Director of Digital UK where he is responsible for the management of the technology, specifications and systems supporting the UK’s largest free to air television platform. James has extensive experience of developing and managing distribution services. Prior to joining Digital UK in June 2015, James held a range of senior roles within the BBC’s strategy, distribution and technology teams, encompassing commercial and engineering management.
Follow James Jackson:
About Digital UK: Digital UK provides operational support for the platform, including management of the Freeview electronic program guide and more.
Elliot Kaye
Group Finance Director of Gravity Media Group
With an Economics and Econometrics degree from the University of Manchester, Elliot Kaye qualified as a Chartered Accountant (ACA) in 1995 with HW Fisher & Co, a top 20 accounting firm in London and he has extensive experience of audit and corporate finance, with Price Waterhouse and Grant Thornton. Elliot joined Gearhouse Broadcast as Group Financial Controller in 2001, became UK Finance Director in 2005, UK Finance & Operations Director in 2007 and on 1 January 2008 became Chief Financial Officer with responsibility for the finance function of the whole Group.
Follow Elliot Kaye:
About Gravity Media Group: Gravity Media Group is a global provider of live broadcast facilities and production services.
Elliot Kaye
Group Finance Director of Gravity Media Group
With an Economics and Econometrics degree from the University of Manchester, Elliot Kaye qualified as a Chartered Accountant (ACA) in 1995 with HW Fisher & Co, a top 20 accounting firm in London and he has extensive experience of audit and corporate finance, with Price Waterhouse and Grant Thornton. Elliot joined Gearhouse Broadcast as Group Financial Controller in 2001, became UK Finance Director in 2005, UK Finance & Operations Director in 2007 and on 1 January 2008 became Chief Financial Officer with responsibility for the finance function of the whole Group.
Follow Elliot Kaye:
About Gravity Media Group: Gravity Media Group is a global provider of live broadcast facilities and production services.
Brian Cuttler
Operations Director of Compact Media Group
Follow Brian Cuttler:
About Compact Media Group: Compact Media Group is a full-service intellectual property rights management company distributing royalties for TV, film and music.
Marina Storti
Director of Strategy & Proposition of NOW TV
Follow Marina Storti:
About NOW TV: Now TV is an internet television service that features latest movies, TV shows, live sports, and more.
Pierdavide Marcolongo
COO & Board Director of V-Nova
Follow Pierdavide Marcolongo:
About : Next-generation video and image compression that works today
Mark Saunders
Producer/Director of Spectacle Productions
Follow Mark Saunders:
About Birkbeck, University of London, Spectacle Productions: Spectacle Productions is an award winning independent television production company specialising in documentary.
Sebastian Thiel
Founder / Director of Upshot Entertainment
Sebastian Thiel is the Founder of Upshot Entertainment and Dope Black Art.
Follow Sebastian Thiel:
About Dope Black Art, Upshot Entertainment: Upshot Entertainment is a motion pictures and film company that features an online TV channel.
Sebastian Thiel
Founder / Director of Upshot Entertainment
Sebastian Thiel is the Founder of Upshot Entertainment and Dope Black Art.
Follow Sebastian Thiel:
About Dope Black Art, Upshot Entertainment: Upshot Entertainment is a motion pictures and film company that features an online TV channel.
Monty Halls
Founder & Managing Director & Executive Producer of Seadog Television and Film Productions
Monty is a well known BBC presenter, having fronted three series of BBC 2’s ‘Great Escapes’, as well as ‘Great Barrier Reef’ and ‘The Fisherman’s Apprentice.’ He has also presented films and series’ for Discovery, The History Channel, Channel 5, National Geographic, and Channel 4. More recently he has created several series concepts, including ‘Dive Mysteries’ and ‘The Great Shark Chase’, and has worked more actively as a producer and originator of new content.
Follow Monty Halls:
About Seadog Television and Film Productions: Seadog is an independent television and commercial production company founded by Monty Halls.
