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Former Asda chief executive named new ITV chairman

Published Wednesday 18 November 2009 at 11:26 by Matthew Hemley

Former Asda chief executive Archie Norman has been named ITV’s new chairman, replacing Michael Grade, who will step down in January next year.

Norman, who is also a former MP, said; “There are few opportunities that would have tempted me back into the public company arena, but ITV is definitely one of them. It is an irresistible challenge, a great brand, a people business with enormous talent, but facing an imperative for change - the challenge of adapting to compete in a fragmented digital media world.”

He praised Grade’s “remarkable work”, which he said had led the company “through the worst advertising recession for decades”.

Grade joined ITV in 2007 in a combined role as chief executive and chairman, but announced in April he would be relinquishing his executive responsibilities at the end of the year and remaining as a non-executive chairman.

However, he later announced he would not be staying on as chairman either.

When Norman takes up the role of chairman, ITV chief operating officer John Cresswell will step in as interim chief executive until a new chief executive is appointed.

James Crosby, chairman of the nomination committee, said: “We are delighted that Archie is to become the next chairman of ITV. He has an outstanding track record in business and we believe that his extensive experience of both business and public life will be of significant benefit to ITV in the years ahead.”

Broadcasting union Bectu has given a cautious welcome to ITV’s announcement.

David Beevers, supervisory official with responsibility for the union’s members in independent broadcasting, said: “Although to our knowledge Archie Norman has no background in broadcasting, he does have a proven track record of success in industry, notably as the key player in turning Asda around. Our members hope that his expertise will contribute to a revival in the fortunes of ITV and will inspire the business with a new sense of purpose and direction to strengthen the company for the benefit of everyone involved. ITV needs to restore its reputation as the UK’s leading commercial broadcaster.”

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