David Elstein resigns from Virgin board

David Elstein has resigned from the Virgin Media board where he was the primary independent voice.

He had been a non-executive director of NTL then Virgin Media since January 2003. Elstein was the launch chief executive for Channel 5 and previously Sky's head of programming.

Analysts have criticised Virgin in the past for hedge fund-manager Bill Huff having too much control over the board. It was seen as a reason for last year's exit of chief executive Steve Burch.

Elstein was the company's only UK-based director and seen as a balancing figure who could keep track of business.

He said today: "I have very much enjoyed serving on the board, and am pleased that I have had the opportunity over my five years' service to participate in the revival of the UK cable industry from the near collapse that it faced at the beginning of this century.

"I think that Virgin Media now has a good platform from which to build, and wish it all the best for the future."

Chairman Jim Mooney added: "Throughout the merger of NTL and Telewest, the subsequent acquisition of Virgin Mobile and the company's re-branding as Virgin Media, David's experience of the UK's TV market has been an invaluable asset.

"On behalf of the company, I would like to thank him for contribution and wish him every success in the future."

Elstein is chairman of Sparrowhawk Media, owner of Hallmark.