Tinopolis ups Elspeth O’Hare to group role

Firecracker Scotland chief Elspeth O’Hare is to oversee Tinopolis stablemates Mentorn Media and Pioneer Productions north of the border, as Mentorn Scotland exec Paul Murray departs.

O’Hare has been promoted to the newly-created role of creative director, Tinopolis Factual Group Scotland, handing her oversight of the trio of Glasgow-based labels.

Murray, who is exec producing Mentorn Scotland’s recent Channel 4 daytime pilot Chef v Corner Shop, is set to exit in the spring after nearly three years in post.

The changes come in the same month that Mentorn managing director Celia Taylor departs amid a Covid-related savings drive, with her role set to be retired and overall responsibility for Mentorn handed to Tinopolis director of content Chris Brogden.

O’Hare, whose job will involve helping the three Scottish labels to work together more closely, has been creative director of Firecracker Scotland since late 2016.

The former IWC Media docs chief’s credits include C4’s Class of Mum and Dad, Channel 5’s Great British Urine Test and BBC Scotland’s Getting Hitched Asian Style.

Welsh-headquartered Tinopolis chief executive Arwel Rees hailed her “breadth of experience developing and producing outstanding programmes”.

“She will be a highly effective leader, allowing us to continue to deliver high quality programmes and contribute to the thriving Scottish media landscape,” added Rees.

O’Hare said: “We have a very talented team in Glasgow and the new structure gives us a strong base to grow our business even further.”