Archie Norman Named ITV Chairman

LONDON: Archie Norman, the former chief executive of U.K. supermarket chain Asda, has been tapped to replace Michael Grade as the chairman of ITV.

Norman is to take up the post in January, when Grade steps down as executive chairman. John Cresswell, ITV’s chief operating officer, will then become interim CEO.

A former conservative member of parliament, Norman is credited with helping to establish Kingfisher in the 1980s and turning Asda around in the 1990s. More recently, Norman had served as chairman at Energis and went on to run a private-equity firm. Norman commented: "There are few opportunities that would have tempted me back into the public company arena, but ITV is definitely one of them." He added: "It is an irresistible challenge, a great brand, a people business with enormous talent, but facing an imperative for change: the challenge of adapting to compete in a fragmented digital media world."

"We are delighted that Archie is to become the next chairman of ITV," said Sir James Crosby, the chairman of the nomination committee and spokesman for the board. "He has an outstanding track record in business and we believe that his extensive experience of both business and public life will be of significant benefit to ITV in the years ahead."