Crozier targets big name for ITV Studios

Incoming ITV chief executive Adam Crozier reportedly wants a big-hitting programme maker to lead the broadcaster's production arm.

According to The Sunday Times, the former Royal Mail chief will make hiring a new head for ITV Studios among his highest priorities after starting at ITV on April 26.

Crozier has already begun identifying potential candidates for the task of leading ITV's production business, which creates shows such as Emmerdale.

Names thought to be in the frame include TalkbackThames chief executive Lorraine Heggessey and Channel 4's director of television Kevin Lygo.

Current ITV Studios head Lee Bartlett is expected to move aside from the position after the recruitment process is completed.

Crozier hopes that ITV Studios can develop more successful programming formats for export to foreign markets.

ITV's most successful formats of recent times, Britain's Got Talent and The X Factor, are not owned by the broadcaster and so it cannot fully leverage their earning potential.

An ITV spokesperson said: "Adam has not yet arrived and no view on the future executive team will be taken before he has had time to make an assessment."