Mr Gerry Robinson, the Donegal-born architect behind the demerger of Granada's leisure and media businesses, is to leave the ITV broadcaster by early next year as the company continues to streamline its management in pursuit of a merger with rival Carlton.
Granada yesterday confirmed the departure of Mr Steve Morrison as chief executive and has appointed headhunters to find a replacement for Mr Robinson before his term as non-executive director expires in February.
The new non-executive will work alongside Sir George Russell, former ITC chairman and deputy chairman of Channel 4, who was yesterday appointed as non-executive deputy chairman. Granada is not appointing a replacement chief executive.
Executive chairman Mr Charles Allen hit back at criticism that the boardroom changes meant power was being centralised in his hands.
He said two chief executive posts had been created below board level to ensure the company retained its six to three ratio of non-executives to executive directors.
Mr Mick Desmond, chief executive of broadcasting and enterprises, and Mr Simon Shaps, chief executive of content, will report to the board and attend board meetings.
"We believe we've addressed the corporate-governance issue not only through the appointment of Sir George Russell but through our existing heavyweight non-executives on the board. The appointment of two chief executives, we believe, gives us the best of all worlds."
Mr Allen said the process of streamlining the board would make it easier for Granada and Carlton to combine their operations. - (Financial Times Service)
