ITV COO & Group Finance Director to Retire

Ian Griffiths is planning to retire from ITV, where he’s serving as COO and group finance director, in the next 12 months.

Griffiths began working with Ernst & Young in 1988, before moving to the media group EMAP in 1994. He joined ITV in September 2008 as group finance director. In April 2017, Griffiths took on additional responsibilities and was appointed group chief operating officer.

Sir Peter Bazalgette, chairman of ITV, said: “Ian has been a key part of the management team that transformed ITV’s performance. The strategy that Ian helped develop and deliver has created a strong platform for our future success and delivered real value for shareholders. On behalf of the Board and our shareholders I would like to thank Ian for all he has done for ITV.”

Carolyn McCall, ITV’s chief executive, said: “Ian leaves ITV in strong financial health.  He has helped me steer the strategy refresh and will continue to be involved in embedding the implementation over the next few months. I and everyone at ITV will be sorry to see him leave and we wish him all the very best for the future.”

Griffiths commented: “ITV is a brilliant business with superb people and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here.  I am immensely proud of everything that we have achieved at ITV, not least in keeping the business together through the financial crisis and then delivering strong shareholder returns from 2010 onwards. I will be leaving a great team and a business in good shape.

“I wish Carolyn and the team all the very best as they continue to take ITV from strength to strength.”