BT’s Julian Ashworth to Head Group Strategy at ITV

ITV has brought in Julian Ashworth, BT’s global director of policy strategy, to serve as director of group strategy and direct to consumer.

Ashworth’s remit encompasses ITV’s online and interactive businesses, including ITV Hub. He will take on the new ITV role in February.

Carolyn McCall, ITV’s chief executive, said: “ITV has undergone a real transformation since 2010. We are now operating in an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing environment and I and the ITV team are looking forward to building on the strong foundations that are already in place as we refresh the strategy.

“I’m delighted that Julian is joining the executive team. He brings with him a wealth of expertise and experience from the technology and media sectors in the U.K. and internationally, which will be invaluable as we further develop our strategy and move forward with ITV’s next exciting chapter.”

Ashworth said: “I am extremely proud and excited to be joining the U.K.’s leading commercial broadcaster and biggest production company during a dynamic period of change for the sector. Since 2010, ITV has developed very effectively under the current strategy and is today well positioned for the future with outstanding assets, people and content.

“I look forward to working with the management team, and indeed everyone across ITV, to help build on this solid foundation, delivering the next phase of ITV’s strategic evolution and accelerating the development of the ITV direct-to-consumer business.”