ITV announces management shakeup

Mick Desmond and Henry Staunton have been axed and Nigel Pickard's position has been left in doubt as ITV announces a shakeup of its top team.

The changes will position the broadcaster "for growth in the digital age", the company said in a statement, "enabling ITV to focus more closely on the needs of its viewers and advertisers."

Simon Shaps, CEO of Granada, has been brought in to the newly-created position of Director of Television, where he will assume overall responsibility for the commissioning and scheduling of all ITV channels. Pickard, director of programmes, will report directly to Shaps.

Ian McCulloch, COO of the broadcasting division, becomes commercial director. Together with Shaps, McCulloch will replace Desmond as CEO of ITV Broadcasting.

Staunton, finance director, will leave when a successor is appointed. The hunt will also be on for the new roles of director for ITV Worldwide and director of ITV Production.

“ITV is now ready to move into its next phase of growth," said Charles Allen, CEO of ITV. "Today’s changes mean that all parts of our business will now be able to work together more effectively. The new structure will ensure that our primary focus is on the needs of viewers and advertisers, both in the UK and internationally.

“We have the right structure and the right people in key roles to drive the business forward. I am confident that we will be able to attract the best talent from within ITV or externally to the exciting new positions we have created."