ITV appoints Royal Mail chief as new CEO

28th Jan 2010 12:50

Royal Mail boss Adam Crozier is to become the new chief executive of struggling broadcaster ITV.The appointment of Crozier, who had run the Football Association prior to joining Royal Mail, ends a long, and at times farcical, search for a replacement for Michael Grade, who announced last April he wanted to stand down.ITV wooed but decided eventually not to appoint former BSkyB chief Tony Ball as chief executive, while current acting chief executive John Cresswell has also announced his intention to leave despite being regarded by many observers as an ideal candidate for the post.Crozier's time at the Royal Mail has also been controversial. The state-owned entity has returned to profitability, but the last six months have been dogged by bitter industrial disputes. Archie Norman who took over as chairman of the ITV at the start of January, said Crozier is a 'strong leader'.'ITV is a strong brand with talented people, facing an imperative for change as the media landscape evolves,'said Norman. 'Adam is a very strong leader with a great track record in delivering transformational change.' Crozier added ITV was "a company with great heritage and one of the best brands in the UK". ITV has struggled to cope with falling advertising revenues and market share being eroded by competition from satellite, cable and Freeview. Crozier, 46, will take up his role 'this year', ITV's statement said.