With Morrison's exit, Granada has announced changes to its board and management structure. Morrison, who departs Granada after 28 years, said in a statement that he would be looking for new opportunities in the areas of film and television production and multimedia education.
Morrison had been due to depart Granada some time next year, but his departure has been brought forward after the company's shareholders voiced their unhappiness about the disastrous ITV Digital venture. Someone has had to take the fall.
As expected, Morrison is not to be directly replaced. Instead, Granada chairman Charles Allen takes over Morrison's responsibility and will lead the business and the board as executive chairman. Allen will be supported by industry veteran Sir George Russell, who has been appointed non-executive deputy chairman.
Sir George has held chairman and chief executive roles at Camelot, 3i, Marley and British Alcan. He was chairman of the IBA and ITC, chairman of ITN and deputy chairman of Channel 4.
According to Granada, he will play a significant role in assisting the board to manage the regulatory issues and industry consolidation opportunities created by the new communications bill.
The executive board directors reporting to Allen comprises Henry Staunton, group finance director and deputy chairman of media ventures, and commercial director Graham Parrott. Mick Desmond, Simon Shaps and Jules Burns will also report direct to Allen.
Desmond has been appointed chief executive of broadcasting and enterprises; Shaps has been appointed chief executive of content, responsible for driving all of Granada's production businesses, both domestic and international; and Burns will continue as managing director of operations.
Commenting on these moves, Allen said: "Steve has been one of the great driving forces of Granada for nearly three decades. He has helped grow Granada from a North West regional television station into Europe's largest commercial programme producer and ITV's largest broadcaster. All of us at Granada wish him the very best for the future."
He added: "Sir George brings not only tremendous general business experience but also invaluable experience in managing companies in a regulatory environment. He will be a valuable asset to the board. This new management structure positions Granada well to take advantage of consolidation and other opportunities made possible through new legislation."
If you have an opinion on this or any other issue raised on Brand Republic, join the debate in the .
.jpg)
.jpg)