David Gyngell will replace Paul Jackson as CEO of Granada America, ITV has announced.

Based in Los Angeles, Gyngell will run ITV's American programme development and production division. He will also have responsibility for Granada Australia.

"David is an enormously experienced network executive with first class connections in the US," said ITV CEO Charles Allen. "He has an outstanding reputation for both running highly-creative departments and as an excellent manager. He is an astute businessman, born and bred in the media industry and we are delighted he will be working within ITV. This is a key role in ensuring ITV's international growth by creating and delivering high-quality content to American audiences. Having merged the various commercial entities and grown a vibrant production slate over the last four years Paul Jackson is handing over a very successful business and we can't think of anyone better to take over the helm in creating television to talk about for American and worldwide audiences."

Gyngell was CEO of Australia's Nine Network until May 2005, and previously worked at Nine's parent company, PBL.

"It's a great opportunity for me to work with one of the world's biggest media companies in one the most aggressive markets," said Gyngell. "I'm looking forward to the challenge."