The founder and chief executive of Bristol-based television production company Plimsoll Productions has been appointed as a visiting professor at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol).
Grant Mansfield, will work with the university’s college of arts, technology and environment, to help inspire the next generation of programme makers.
The executive TV producer founded Bafta and Emmy-winning Plimsoll in 2013, and the company has gone on to make natural history and factual content for major networks, including Hostile Planet with Bear Grylls for National Geographic.
Earlier this year broadcaster ITV agreed to acquire a majority stake in Plimsoll, which also has offices in Cardiff and Los Angeles, in a £103.5m cash deal which valued the firm at £131m.
Before launching Plimsoll, Mr Mansfield spent three years in Los Angeles as chief executive of Zodiak USA, for whom he executive produced TV series such as Secret Millionaire and Celebrity Wife Swap.
Prior to that he served as director of programmes at Granada TV, where he produced shows such as I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, Coronation Street and Cold Feet.
The TV exec received an honorary degree from UWE Bristol earlier this year. Mr Mansfield said: “UWE Bristol is a wonderful university where it’s my privilege to serve as a board member and now a visiting professor.
“Under Professor [Steve] West’s leadership, links with employers have been significantly strengthened, benefiting students as they seek employment: in my new role, I hope to highlight pathways, opportunities and the skills required for a career in the creative sector.”
Vice-chancellor of UWE Bristol professor Steve West added: “We’re honoured Grant is joining us as a visiting professor at UWE Bristol; as a Bristolian who has seen worldwide success within his industry his insight and exceptional talent will be invaluable to our students and staff.”
Mr Mansfield previously spoke out against plan’s previously drawn up under former prime minister Boris Johnson’s government to privatise Channel 4.
Mr Mansfield told BusinessLive it was “doubtful” the broadcaster’s Bristol base in Finzels Reach and other UK cities would exist had it been in private hands. Current prime minister Rishi Sunak is reportedly set to shelve the move.
Read next:
- Weston College opens new Bristol digital skills training hub
- Companies involved in university enterprise scheme SETSquared contribute £15.7bn to economy
- Group behind £140m Cornwall TV and sound studios appoints JD Sports boss and top media exec to board
- British sign language book publisher secures £10k for new project
Like this story? Why not sign up to get the latest South West business news straight to your inbox.
