STV chief executive Rob Woodward has been appointed chairman of Blancco Technology Group, where he has been a non-executive director since 2013. Blancco is an alternative investment market-listed provider of mobile device diagnostics and secure data erasure solutions.

Following his appointment, Mr Woodward purchased 6,035 shares in the group at a price of 252.5p.

He replaces Matthew Peacock after a “thorough process”, having been identified for his wealth of experience in the telecoms media and technology sector.

In its half year results to December 31, Blancco posted revenue of £14.2 million, up from £9.9m, with an adjusted operating profit of £3.6m.

Last week STV reported a three per cent slide in underlying pre-tax profits to £15.7m.