Mike Clasper CBE, the CEO of airport operator BAA, will be appointed a non-executive director of ITV in January 2006.

"I am delighted to be joining ITV as a non-executive director," said Clasper. "They have been successfully developing their new digital television channels and broadening their revenue base beyond ITV1. The Board can help the executive management by supporting that process going forward."

ITV chairman Sir Peter Burt said: "We are very pleased that Mike Clasper will be joining the Board of ITV. His experience both in running a major service based commercial operation and previously in the FMCG industry will enable him to make a valuable contribution to our Board."