His role at Waterside is his third Scottish venture. He already holds non-executive positions at Aberdeen-based Tern Television, producer of the popular gardening series Beechgrove Garden and Glasgow-based digital animation firm Absolute Studios.

"I am clearly looking at ways to help the three companies work together," he said.

Investment

Waterside recently invested £250,000 in broadcasting facilities at its studios in Leith and has appointed highly regarded editor Ian Stroud, formerly of Picardy Television as head of its creative team. Another former Picardy employee, Kerry Cathro, has joined to set up a new graphic design department.

Ritchie said he had been attracted to Waterside by the strength of its management. "It is well positioned to continue to build a successful business and I look forward to helping the company grow and develop in existing and new areas of business," he said.

Intelligent TV

Waterside is best known for its work on the Intelligent Finance television advertising campaign. It is also currently working for the Edinburgh Festival.

Last year, the founding shareholders of Waterside, George Barr and John Hogg, left to pursue new ventures. They have since founded production house Green Room Films.

Ritchie, who is still based in London, where he works for television investment firm Kuhn & Co refused to be drawn on any full-time return to Scotland, but it is understood he is keen to spend more time away from London.