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The founder and chief executive of Bristol-based television production company Plimsoll Productions has been appointed as a visiting professor at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol).

Grant Mansfield, will work with the university’s college of arts, technology and environment, to help inspire the next generation of programme makers.

The executive TV producer founded Bafta and Emmy-winning Plimsoll in 2013, and the company has gone on to make natural history and factual content for major networks, including Hostile Planet with Bear Grylls for National Geographic.

Earlier this year broadcaster ITV agreed to acquire a majority stake in Plimsoll, which also has offices in Cardiff and Los Angeles, in a £103.5m cash deal which valued the firm at £131m.

Before launching Plimsoll, Mr Mansfield spent three years in Los Angeles as chief executive of Zodiak USA, for whom he executive produced TV series such as Secret Millionaire and Celebrity Wife Swap.

Prior to that he served as director of programmes at Granada TV, where he produced shows such as I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, Coronation Street and Cold Feet.

The TV exec received an honorary degree from UWE Bristol earlier this year. Mr Mansfield said: “UWE Bristol is a wonderful university where it’s my privilege to serve as a board member and now a visiting professor.

“Under Professor [Steve] West’s leadership, links with employers have been significantly strengthened, benefiting students as they seek employment: in my new role, I hope to highlight pathways, opportunities and the skills required for a career in the creative sector.”