ITV has hired X Factor executive producer Claire Horton as controller of entertainment at its in-house production division.

Horton, who was also series editor of Pop Idol, replaces Mark Wells, who is becoming ITV Productions' first creative director for international formats and independent start-ups.

Wells' role is aimed at developing new formats to sell worldwide - a key part of executive chairman Michael Grade's plans to improve the broadcaster's finances.

Director of ITV Productions John Whiston said the division was buying "strategic stakes in a few start-up indies" that Wells would help develop.

He added: "Mark's role is a vital part of our plan to fully exploit ITV Productions' formats internationally and to expand exponentially our content production."

Jim Allen, ITV Productions' director of factual and entertainment, said Horton had "the passion and creativity to ensure ITV Productions' large and diverse entertainment portfolio remains in rude health, as well as creating the next generation of genre-defining hits".

The changes follow the departure of Duncan Gray, ITV's controller of entertainment commissioning, last week.