Richard Huntingford has been appointed Chairman of UTV Media plc, replacing John B McGuckian.
Most notably in radio Richard was Chief Executive of Chrysalis from 2000 until 2007 after establishing the radio division in 1993, launching Heart a year later.
After Chrysalis was bought by Global Radio in 2007, he joined Virgin Radio as Chairman for a year.
Helen Kirkpatrick steps down as Interim Chairman remaining as a Non-Executive Director of the Board. The vacancy for a new chair appeared in February when UTV Media’s board of directors, including radio chief Scott Taunton, voted for the immediate removal of John B McGuckian as chairman.
Shane Reihill, Kevin Lagan and John B McGuckian then resigned as directors of UTV with immediate effect.
Helen Kirkpatrick said: “I am delighted that UTV has found such an outstanding candidate to become Chairman after a very thorough recruitment process in recent months. Richard has enjoyed a highly distinguished career in the media sector and has extensive plc board experience as a Non-Executive Director and Chairman making him an excellent choice to lead the UTV Board. We look forward to the additional perspective he will be able to bring to the UTV Group going forward.
“On behalf of the Board I would like to welcome Richard to UTV and wish him every success with the Group.”
Richard Huntingford said: “I am delighted to have been given such an exciting opportunity at UTV, a company I have always admired for its achievements. I look forward to working with my new colleagues on the Board in helping John McCann and his executive team deliver continuing long-term value for UTV’s shareholders.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Helen Kirkpatrick for her outstanding contribution to the company as Interim Chairman.”
Posted on Monday, July 30th, 2012 at 9:50 am by RadioToday UK