ITV’s former director of television Simon Shaps has added distributor MercuryMedia to his portfolio of non-executive positions.

Shaps will join Mercury’s board in January as a non-executive chairman, alongside editorial director Nick Ware and chief executive Tim Sparke.

The company specializes in high-end documentaries and also runs on-demand documentary web channel joiningthedocs.tv.

“To have someone of Simon’s calibre join Mercury is a coup for a growing digital film distribution company,” said Sparke.

“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.”

Since leaving ITV in May last year, Shaps has forged links with several TV-related companies, including A Brand Apart Television and management company Anomaly, which advises internet star Lauren Luke.