Simon Shaps to join MercuryMedia as Chairman

MercuryMedia announces today that Simon Shaps, is joining Mercury as Chairman.

The former ITV Director of Television takes the helm at Mercury effective January 2010 as the fourth member of the board which includes, Nick Ware, Editorial Director; Tim Sparke, CEO; and a former partner at McKinsey & Co.

All four board members are investors in Mercury, alongside the EU which supports Mercury’s www.Joiningthedocs.tv VOD platform through the EU Media fund.

Tim Sparke commenting for Mercury on Mr Shaps appointment said: ‘To have someone of Simon’s calibre join Mercury is a coup for a growing digital film distribution company. That he believes in our mission to inform through our focus on technology is particularly encouraging. Simon’s abilities are legendary and we all look forward to working with him as he helps the team drive our business forward. He is an inspiring leader who has a proven track record of delivering growth in the toughest media sectors.

Simon Shaps added: ‘Tim and the team have done an impressive job in creating one of the very few VOD businesses that is up and running with paying customers. I am genuinely excited by the potential of joiningthedocs.tv and Mercury’

Simon left ITV in May 2008. Prior to taking over as Director of Television at ITV, Simon was CEO of ITV’s global production and distribution business. In 2005 he attended the Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Programme. As well as Mercury, he chairs A Brand Apart Television Ltd, an AFP company, and Ignite, an innovation company. He is also working with Back2Back, a non - scripted production business.

For further information please contact alice@mercurymedia.org.