Granada Media is combining its two programming units, LWT Productions and United Productions, under a single management team.
The combined unit will be headed by John Willis, who has been appointed managing director of United and LWT Productions. Willis will report to Andrea Wonfor, executive chair of Granada Media. Marcus Plantin, presently LWT鈥檚 director of programmes, is set to become director of programmes for both LWT and United Productions. .
The appointments follow the completion of Granada Media鈥檚 拢1.75 billion deal to buy the ITV interests of United News & Media.
Granada has also appointed John Cresswell, previously chief operating officer of United鈥檚 broadcasting division, as director of operations for Granada Media.
At United he was responsible for managing United鈥檚 three ITV licences 鈥 Anglia, HTV and Meridian 鈥 as well as Rapture TV. Cresswell will now report to Jules Burns, who is Granada Media鈥檚 managing director of operations.
The reshuffle means Malcolm Wall, currently chief executive of United Broadcasting and Entertainment, will leave Granada Media.
Steve Morrison, chief executive of Granada Media, said: 鈥淚鈥檓 delighted John Willis has decided to come on board. Both he and Marcus command enormous respect within the industry. Their partnership, combined with the highly successful programming centres at Anglia, Meridian and Bristol, will create a dynamic new production group.
鈥淚鈥檓 also pleased John Cresswell is joining us. His wealth of experience will serve us very well in ensuring the integration process happens quickly and smoothly.鈥
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