Michael Grade to join ITV in early 2007

Former BBC chairman Michael Grade will become the executive chairman of ITV early next year.

Grade has committed to the position for at least three years. In the short term, he plans to concentrate on improving the performance of ITV's programming; however, in the longer term, it is expected that he will appoint a chief executive and become the non-executive chairman of ITV plc, effectively stepping back from a day-to-day operational role.

Grade will replace current ITV chairman Sir Peter Burt, whose appointment as chairman expires next March. In a statement, Burt - who said as recently as October 16 that he had no intention of leaving the broadcaster - said:

"Michael Grade's appointment will provide a strong and focused leadership at a critical time in ITV's history. The Company will benefit enormously from his unrivalled broadcasting experience. ITV's challenges, particularly on the programming and advertising side, are considerable and Michael's particular blend of skills will provide both the continuity of experienced media management and the creative leadership which ITV needs to move forward rapidly. I regard it as a real coup to have persuaded Michael to join us.

"My appointment as Chairman was for three years, expiring next March and I have decided that I would not seek re-appointment due to my increasing commitments elsewhere. The Board believes that Michael's appointment to this position for a specified term is entirely appropriate given all the circumstances, whilst recognising that under the Combined Code the appointment of an Executive Chairman is relatively unusual. It is the firm intention of the Board and Michael Grade that the Chairmanship should return to being a non-executive position within the three years.

"Over the past three years, we have successfully completed a most complex merger and moved into a number of new non-ITV1 businesses, including the digital channels (ITV2, 3 and 4), SDN and Friends Reunited, which are all showing excellent growth.

"With Michael Grade's leadership, I am confident that ITV, including ITV1, will flourish over the coming years."

Grade, who said in a farewell email to BBC staff that he opted to take the role to get back into programming, indicated that ITV1's performance would be his first priority.

"It is a great privilege to have been invited by Peter and the Board to become Chairman and to lead ITV," he said in a statement. "It has been a tough career decision to leave the BBC but it was an opportunity I could not resist, given my family's history in the founding of ITV and my own background at London Weekend Television.

"My first priority at ITV will be to support the team in accelerating the improvement in programming performance for our viewers and advertisers. This is the best way to enhance the value of the Company for our shareholders."

ITV's current acting chief executive John Cresswell will become chief operating officer and finance director after Grade takes up the post.

"Michael joining is great news for ITV," said Cresswell. "I very much look forward to working with Michael and being part of the team driving improvement at ITV."