Lee Bartlett to head ITV global content

Lee Bartlett has been named as the permanent replacement for Dawn Airey as managing director of ITV global content.

Bartlett joined ITV as chief operating officer of the division at the beginning of April. He took over as interim MD after Airey's shock exit at the end of the month.

John Cresswell, ITV chief operating officer, said Bartlett's previous job as an executive vice president at Fox suited him to the role.

"The appointment of Lee Bartlett on a permanent basis really does put the 'global' into global content," he said. "To meet the objectives of the turnaround plan and deliver 360 degree value to our content properties, we need executives with proven experience of the international market. I am delighted that Lee will be taking up the position, following a thorough executive search process."

ITV executive chairman Michael Grade has said the company needs to increase international programme sales in order to turn around its finances.

Bartlett said: "ITV is home to some of the world’s most outstanding creative content. By taking advantage of the rapid technological and creative changes that are happening in the television business and bringing my international experience to bear, I believe I can deliver growth to the business and win new audiences for that creative content all around the world. I’m thrilled to be joining one of the world’s most iconic media companies at such an exciting time."