Gentchev, who has been at Mentorn Scotland for five-and-a-half years as editor of Question Time, becomes Executive Producer of the political debate show as part of his new role which includes developing and executive producing a range of current affairs programmes.
During his time as editor of Question Time, Nicolai has also edited BBC Scotland’s ‘Referendum Debates’ series in 2014 and has been executive producer on various one-off programmes, including the ‘Big, Big Debate’ at the Hydro, which was nominated for a BAFTA and won the RTS Scotland Award for Best Referendum Programme.
Jonathan Hewes, Chief Executive, Mentorn Media, said: "We are delighted to announce Nicolai's promotion to the position of Director of Current Affairs after his extremely successful editorship of Question Time; he has a wealth of political, news and current affairs experience and as he moves to Executive Producer role, we are looking for a new Editor of Question Time."
Gentchev replaces Hayley Valentine who has left Mentorn Media after three years to pursue other opportunities.
He continued: “Hayley has been an incredible Director of Current Affairs, overseeing some of the standout current affairs programming of the last few years, and securing a series of fast turnaround specials with the BBC at a time of unprecedented political uncertainty. We wish her the very best in her future.”
Before joining Mentorn Media as Editor of Question Time, Gentchev was Editor of ‘Good Morning Scotland’, BBC Radio Scotland’s flagship news programme, in the build up to the 2010 General Election. Previous to that, he has been an output editor on Radio 4’s Today programme, and before that worked for several years as a business reporter and producer for the BBC and Bloomberg News.
Nicolai said: “The Question Time team is a force to be reckoned with. I've been enormously proud to work with them for nearly six years and particularly over some of the most defining moments of recent years. I'm delighted that I will still be working with Question Time in my new role and continuing the incredible work that Hayley has produced.”
Hayley Valentine said: “It’s been an extraordinary climate to produce some very special editions of Question Time. As well as the outstanding three years of Question Time, I’m proud to have overseen so many other important political programmes – from Free Speech, to the Dimbleby Interviews, from the Hydro to The Big Questions. It’s been a fantastic experience and it feels the right time to hand over the reins.”
Mentorn Scotland has produced Question Time since 2012, and is currently looking for a new Editor to be based in Glasgow. To apply, please email Jill Greenwood at Mentorn Scotland: JGreenwood@mentorn.tv. Closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 16th September.
For more information please contact Louise Plank on 020 8995 3936 or lou@plankpr.com.
