ITV confirms Nigel Pickard's departure

ITV confirmed late this afternoon that director of programmes Nigel Pickard is quitting the network.

In a press release absent of any quotes from the departing executive, ITV's director of television Simon Shaps called Pickard "one of the most popular and most respected executives in the industry." He added: "Three years is a long time in what is an incredibly demanding position and I understand entirely his reasons for wanting to seek a new challenge. He leaves on a high having overseen one of the strongest autumn schedules ITV has had for many years."

The appointment of ex-Granada CEO Shaps to the newly-created position of director of television back in September is widely believed to have played a part in Pickard's decision to leave ITV.

"Nigel has done a tremendous job in one of the most difficult posts in British television," said ITV CEO Charles Allen. "Under his leadership ITV1 has held its own in a fiercely competitive environment, ITV2 has become the biggest digital channel in the country and ITV3 and ITV4 both launched with record-breaking audiences. We wish him all the very best with his next venture."