ITV has announced that veteran executive Ian Griffiths, who has juggled the dual roles of chief operating officer and group finance director, is to retire from the broadcaster within the next 12 months.
The announcement has already sparked a search for a successor with Griffiths remaining in post until his replacement has been chosen.
ITV chairman Sir Peter Bazalgette commented: "The strategy that Ian helped develop and deliver has created a strong platform for our future success and delivered real value for shareholders. On behalf of the Board and our shareholders I would like to thank Ian for all he has done for ITV."
Griffiths added: “I am immensely proud of everything that we have achieved at ITV, not least in keeping the business together through the financial crisis and then delivering strong shareholder returns from 2010 onwards. I will be leaving a great team and a business in good shape.”
Griffiths first arrived at ITV from media group EMAP back in 2008 as group finance director, steering the broadcaster through the financial crisis before returning to growth in 2010.
ITV hired headhunters in January 2017 in anticipation of Griffiths departure.