World Productions makes senior editorial appointments
January 21, 2026
World Productions, part of ITV Studios, has announced two senior appointments to further bolster its editorial team.
Kathryn Shrubb joins as Head of Development, where she will lead World Productions’ strategy to bring diverse projects to life. An experienced story producer, Shrubb has developed and managed scripted slates across a number different production companies, including Fulwell 73, Pure Fiction TV, Two Rivers Media and Tall Story Pictures, also part of ITV Studios. Most recently, she story produced Bad Sisters 2 for Apple TV. While at the BBC, she script edited and helped develop award winning series such as Three Girls, Silent Witness and Luther.
Shrubb (picturd) will take up the role following the departure of Emma Luffingham, who served as Head of Development at World Productions for six years. She will work alongside Laura Cotton and George Aza-Selinger, who oversee development for World Productions in Wales and Scotland respectively.
Joe Williams also joins World Productions, as an Executive Producer, where he will work closely with the company’s leadership team including Simon Heath, CEO & Creative Director, and Jake Lushington, Director of Drama.
Prior to joining World Productions, Williams was Executive Producer at ITV Studios, where he worked on The Hack and the celebrated Mr Bates vs the Post Office, the most watched drama programme of 2024. Williams served as Head of Development at Vox Pictures, and has also held development roles at Scott Free, Sprout Pictures, and in Channel 4’s Drama Commissioning Team. He also helped develop the hit Netflix series Lupin, with George Kay.
Heath commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Kat and Joe to the World team. They bring with them great credits and reputations, and I can’t wait to see the shows they help to create over the coming years.”
Shrubb said: “It’s such an honour to join the immensely talented team at World. I’m excited to have the opportunity to continue Emma and World’s amazing work in developing ambitious, must-watch stories for the screen.”
Williams added: “World Productions have been behind some of my favourite dramas, so I’m thrilled to be joining the company. I’m looking forward to working with Simon, Kat and the fantastic team across new projects.”
Founded in 1990, World Productions has offices in London, Glasgow and Cardiff. Their current and upcoming titles include Line of Duty season 7 (BBC), Vigil season 3 (BBC), The Party (ITV), The Boys From Brazil (Netflix) and Grams (BBC).
Other posts by :
- Morgan Stanley downgrades Iridium
- SpainSat-NG II a total loss
- SES warns of risks for airlines adopting Starlink
- Starlink facing backlash in South Africa
- China wants 200,000 satellites
- Bank raises view on AST to $100
- Frost & Sullivan cites Hughes as #1
- Verizon cutting prices
- ScotiaBank confuses market over AST SpaceMobile