ITV chief executive race thrown into confusion

by Mark Banham, Brand Republic 09-Oct-06, 08:50

LONDON - The search for a new chief executive for ITV has been thrown into confusion as favoured candidate Mike Clasper, the former BAA chief executive, pulled out of the race and speculation re-emerged that Sir James Crosby, the former chief executive of HBOS, has also withdrawn.

According to a report in yesterday's Sunday Times, investors in the broadcaster are increasingly concerned that the search for a candidate to fill former chief executive Charles Allen's shoes has slowed, and that too many seemingly qualified candidates have insisted that they are not interested in the role, including Channel 4 chief executive Andy Duncan and former Channel 4 boss Michael Jackson.

In a statement late on Friday, Clasper said: "The speculation that I have thrown my hat into the ring for the CEO role is incorrect.

"I would have preferred to avoid comment on the issue, but, in the light of the intensity of recent speculation, I wish to set the record straight. I believe that I can contribute most effectively to the continuing success of ITV in my current role as a non-executive director."

Several names are believed to be still in the running for the job, including former Ofcom chief executive Stephen Carter and UIP chief executive Stewart Till.

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