'Fresh headhunters' in search for ITV chief

Published on Sunday 18 October 2009 20:42

TROUBLED broadcaster ITV is understood to have approached headhunters to replace present incumbent Russell Reynolds as it tries to step up the search for a chief executive and chairman as Michael Grade quits.

Reports say that several headhunters have turned down the invitation, including Carol Leonard at Inzito Partners, due to the shambolic nature of the channel's recruitment process.

One source reportedly said: "Russell Reynolds has been through the mill and there are many at ITV who want some fresh thinking on the whole board structure."

It has also emerged that Sir Michael Bishop, the former bmi and Channel 4 chairman who last week ended discussions about becoming ITV chairman, is understood to have specified that board members involved in the selection process should offer him their resignations before he would take the job.

Leading ITV investors would still like to see Tony Ball as chief executive, despite talks breaking down between the former BSkyB chief and the ITV board. The company plans to appoint a chairman first, who will then recruit a chief executive.

It is understood that Ball's financial demands are significant, but not as high as reported and a new chairman would be able to negotiate a deal if Mr Ball has not lost interest.

No ITV spokesman was able to comment on whether headhunters are still being sought.