Hardie joins ITN from The Walt Disney Company, where he was executive vice president and managing director of Walt Disney Television in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). He was only promoted to the role last month.
Before joining Disney, Hardie was commercial director at ITV Network Centre between 1997 and 2001. He was responsible for marketing, on-air promotion, business affairs, ITV2 and internet activities. During this time, he managed all commercial aspects of the network and played a central role in transforming ITV from a regional to a national brand.
From 1983 to 1997 he worked at Procter & Gamble, the last three years as managing director, running the European cosmetics and toiletries business.
Hardie will take up his new position in the summer. In the intervening period, Geert Linnebank, former editor-in-chief at Reuters and a director on the ITN Board, will continue to act as interim CEO to support the senior management team.
Disney has promoted its senior vice president and general manager in Italy, Giorgio Stock to take over the European role. He will relocate from Milan to London to fill the role.
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