ITV appoints the Royal Mail’s Adam Crozier as its new Chief Executive.

After searching for nearly a year, ITV has finally announced who will replace Michael Grade when he steps down from the role of Executive Chairman later this year – Adam Crozier.

Adam Crozier, former Chief Executive of The Football Association (FA), has been at the helm of the Royal Mail since 2003. Commenting on his appointment, he said: “I am very excited to be joining ITV – a company with great heritage and one of the best brands in the UK.

“The entire media sector is going through enormous change and that presents both opportunities and significant challenges for everyone in the industry. The objective for ITV is to rise to those challenges and put itself at the forefront of change.”

Other contenders for the job had included BSkyB’s Tony Ball, though according to reports, considering Ball for the role had caused a number of divisions within ITV’s non-executive board, with a number opposed to his pay demands and abrasive style of management.

Archie Norman, Chairman of ITV Plc, said the decision to appoint Adam had been unanimous with ITV’s Non-Executive Directors: “I am thrilled that Adam is joining us as Chief Executive. Adam is a very strong leader with a great track record in delivering transformational change.

“His task is to bring together the skills and talent within ITV to drive the business on its strategic journey.”

Royal Mail Chairman, Donald Brydon, said: “Adam has done and continues to do a remarkable job in leading Royal Mail through a major transformation in extremely difficult market circumstances.”

Despite leading the Royal Mail Group into profit for the first time in 20 years, Mr Crozier has been the subject of much criticism, particularly from the Communication Workers Union (CWU)

The CWU has been at loggerheads with the Royal Mail over their plans for modernisation is refusing to ease up on the postal organisation in light of this announcement. It is urging Mr Crozier to not abandon his duties before he leaves his current role.

CWU General Secretary Billy Hayes said: “It’s crucial now that Adam Crozier’s final days at Royal Mail secure an agreement on modernisation that provides a successful future for the company, its workforce and customers.”