According to sources close to ITV, Howell, the former regional director and chairman of McCann-Erickson's European network, has been interviewed for the position - which now has the title of managing director of sales and marketing - and is still under consideration. He left his role at McCann-Erickson in June with plans to turn his attention to "something entrepreneurial".
Virgin Media content chief Malcolm Wall has emerged as another strong candidate, after being linked to the job a few weeks ago. ITV insiders have speculated he is now being considered for the position of managing director, reporting directly to Michael Grade, as opposed to group financial director John Cresswell. Wall has also recently been tipped as a replacement for Stephen Burch, the former Virgin Media chief executive.
Despite rumours that McCulloch's replacement will be announced at Grade's strategy day tomorrow (Wednesday), sources close to ITV maintain that the management is "not close to making a decision", especially because some of the people they want to interview have not been available. Both Howell and Wall are currently abroad and were unavailable for comment.
Nick Smith, Accenture's group managing director of marketing sciences, and Mike Moran, the former Toyota GB commercial director, have also been linked to the job in recent weeks.
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