EasyJet boss linked with ITV role

UK commercial broadcaster ITV is preparing to announce its new CEO over the coming weeks, with the chief executive of budget airline EasyJet emerging as a leading candidate.

ITV has been looking for a replacement for outgoing CEO Adam Crozier, who confirmed in May he was stepping down from the UK commercial broadcaster after seven years in the role.

ITV’s Ian Griffiths has since moved to a newly created combined role of chief operating officer alongside his previous position as group finance director, and the appointment of a new CEO is now being finalised.

The Guardian reports that EasyJet supremo Carolyn McCall has been interviewed for the position, with other candidates including Rob Woodward, former CEO at Scottish broadcaster STV, and insurance exec Paul Geddes.

Griffiths is leading the executive team for an interim period, with Sir Peter Bazalgette, ITV chairman since early 2016, taking on the role of executive chairman during that time. The former Endemol exec is leading the search for Crozier’s replacement.

The company began its succession plan for Crozier earlier this year, when reports first emerged that the former Royal Mail boss would be stepping down. ITV has said a “longer term successor” will be announced in due course.

McCall joined easyJet in 2010, turning the company into one of Europe’s key airline carriers, and before that worked as chief executive at publishing group Guardian Media Group.

Crozier is widely considered to have turned around ITV’s fortunes since replacing Michael Grade as CEO in 2010 although the firm has been hit by concerns over advertising revenues after the UK’s decision to leave the European Union.

ITV’s most recent annual results were boosted by a substantial rise in revenue from its Studios division but the commercial broadcaster has warned ad revenues are likely to fall amid economic uncertainty.

The broadcaster has been on the acquisitions trail since 2015, going on a buying spree that has seen it acquire UK indie Twofour, Poldark producer Mammoth Screen and John de Mol’s Talpa Media.

In April it bought French drama producer Tetra Media Studio and in May took a majority stake in Line of Duty producer World Productions.

Crozier, speaking when he announced his exit, said he felt “that the time is right for me to move to the next stage of my career and to build a portfolio of roles across the PLC and private sectors.”

ITV’s appointment, expected this month, follows that of former Shine chief Alex Mahon as CEO of Channel 4.