ITV names ex-HBoS chief as Russell's replacement

Published on Wednesday 14 February 2007 12:33

ITV has appointed former HBoS chief executive Sir James Crosby as its senior independent director.

Sir James, who has been a non-executive director at ITV since December 2003, is to replace Sir George Russell as the main board member for shareholders to contact to air their grievances - as Sir George had previously worked with new executive chairman Michael Grade and was considered to be too close to him.

Sir George was also believed to have acted as a "go-between" in negotiating Mr Grade's move from BBC to ITV.

Former BBC chairman Mr Grade is expected to lay out his plans for the commercial broadcaster in detail on March 7. He is said to be keen to improve the broadcaster's image among advertisers.

Sir George, ITV deputy chairman, said: "I am very pleased that James has accepted the appointment as our senior independent director."

Neil Jones, managing director of media agency Carat, said Mr Grade had brought back a lot of confidence and a "goodwill factor" to ITV.

He said: "ITV1 will still have a tough year, but with the growth of multi-channel television, that's inevitable."

• Scottish lawyer Professor Ross Harper has stepped down from his position as chairman of Scottish Resources Group, the company which owns Scottish Coal.

Mr Harper, who is 71, has resigned 12 years after he led the purchase of British Coal's assets in Scotland by investors.