News & Press

September302020

ITV America, the U.S. division of British media company ITV, has elevated seasoned production management executive Heath Banks to chief operating officer.

In the new role, Banks (pictured) will be responsible for the internal management of ITV America, overseeing and spearheading all physical and technical operations, processes and protocols.

Since joining ITV America in 2012, Banks has provided operations and production management expertise across the production company’s labels, including ITV Entertainment (Queer Eye, Love Island); Leftfield Pictures (Alone, Pawn Stars); Sirens Media (The Real Housewives of New Jersey); Thinkfactory Media (Marriage Boot Camp); High Noon Entertainment (Fixer Upper); and Good Caper Content (Taken at Birth).

Most recently, he served as EVP of operations where he oversaw production, post and operations for more than a dozen ITV America companies and production labels.

He joined Leftfield Pictures (now part of ITV America) in 2012 as EVP of production, responsible for running production for the studio’s slate. Subsequent to ITV’s 2014 acquisition of Leftfield Entertainment, Banks was named chief operating officer of ITV Creative, the production and operations arm of the ITV America group.

Prior to joining the ITV America family, Banks held the title of SVP of production at Pilgrim Studios, where he managed a slate of unscripted series including American Chopper, The Ultimate Fighter and Dirty Jobs.

“Heath has played a key role in the success of ITV America through the years behind the scenes. As we continue to amp up and evolve in the new media world, it’s vital that we adapt and re-think our cross-country internal operations,” said ITV America CEO David George in a statement.

The news follows recent ITV America appointments, including Sarah Poage to the post of VP of production, and Caroline Abaecheta as executive producer. As well, the company promoted Danielle DiStefano, previously SVP and VP of post-production at ITV America, to EVP of post operations and technology, while Tonko Soljan, previously SVP and VP of business affairs, was promoted to EVP of business affairs.