John Whittle is Managing Director of Lime Pictures and Wise Owl Films, having been promoted to the role in 2024 after joining the company as Finance Director in 2016. He leads the businesses’ strategic vision, working closely with the creative and production leadership across scripted, kids & family, animation and premium factual.

2025 marked Hollyoaks’ 30th anniversary as Channel 4’s flagship soap with a nostalgic return to Brookside Close.   Lime also launched its on-site L16 Studios in Liverpool which housed part of the production for CBBC's Girl Troops vs Aliens.  Epic fantasy animation Wolf King also landed on Netflix in 2025 to critical acclaim.

Across Wise Owl Films, John has overseen continued success including the Our Farm Next Door franchise with Amanda Owen and the BBC Two music documentary strand When...Came to Britain.

Before joining Lime, John held senior international finance roles at NBCUniversal across its theatrical and home entertainment divisions.