Kevin Lygo to Succeed Peter Fincham at ITV

LONDON: After almost eight years at ITV, Peter Fincham is exiting his post as director of television, to be succeeded by Kevin Lygo.

Lygo, currently managing director of ITV Studios, will be succeeded by Julian Bellamy. David McGraynor, ITV Studios’ finance director, will take on the new role of chief finance and operating officer of ITV Studios. Lygo and Bellamy will begin their new roles on February 1. Fincham will remain at ITV until the end of March.

“Peter came to see me in September to say that he wanted to step down and whilst I am sorry to see him leave, eight years is a long time and I fully respect his desire for a new challenge,” said Adam Crozier, chief executive at ITV. “He and I have worked closely together since I joined ITV and he has been a great creative partner and has led a brilliant creative transformation of ITV’s programming, launching some of the biggest shows on British television.  We wish him all the very best for the future.”

Crozier continued,  “We are fortunate to have some of the best creative talent in the industry at ITV and that has enabled us to put in place a seamless succession plan. I’m delighted that Kevin is to take on the role of director of television, a position he previously held at Channel 4.  He is perfectly placed to lead the commissioning team as we enter this next exciting phase. It’s also fantastic news that Julian is going to run our Studios business.  The U.S. is obviously a huge focus for ITV, and Julian’s experience whilst at Discovery will be incredibly important as we continue to grow and develop in the U.K. and internationally.”

Fincham said of his decision to leave ITV: “This is a personal decision that I have been thinking about for a good while. By the time I leave at Easter I will have been a channel controller at the BBC and ITV, amazing as it seems, for 11 years.  Quite simply, it’s time to do something different. I’ve been lucky enough to work with Adam and senior colleagues at ITV during a period of great revival, supported by a wonderful team, and there’s a very strong pipeline of new programs to look forward to. I haven’t made any firm plans for the future yet, but I wouldn’t rule out a return to the indie sector—I ran TalkBack for a lot longer than I’ve been on the broadcasting side and that indie heart has never quite stopped beating.  I’ll miss ITV and I won’t deny that director of television at ITV is a hard job to leave, but it’s somebody else’s turn and I wish Kevin the very best of luck—I’m sure he will do it brilliantly.”

Lygo commented, “I’ve had a terrific time over the last five years building ITV Studios in the U.K. and internationally into the success story that it is today, but the chance to become director of television of the U.K.’s biggest commercial broadcaster was just too good to miss. I can’t wait to get started. Peter has done an amazing job in leading the creative resurgence of ITV’s programming. I have enjoyed working closely with him during that time and wish him the very best for the future.  I’m also delighted to leave ITV Studios in the extremely capable hands of Julian who will do a fantastic job.”