Latest Hope For ITV Top Job Goes To NTL

The latest name put forward as the next possible ITV chief executive, J Walter Thompson’s CEO, Stephen Carter, has put himself firmly out of the running by accepting a position at NTL.

Carter will take up the role of NTL’s chief operating officer designate in November. Initially he will work alongside the incumbent CEO, Leigh Wood, until she steps down for a year long break in April 2001.

He will have responsibility for the day to day operations of the company’s broadcast, telecoms, consumer and internet divisions. NTL recently launched a £20 million marketing push to promote all its services under the banner “The Complete Communications Company” (see NTL Kicks Off £20m Autumn Advertising Drive).

Carter is thought to have turned down an offer of the ITV chief executive position two weeks ago. The post has been vacant since Richard Eyre left for Pearson TV in November last year (see Eyre Departs ITV For Pearson Television). Since then various names including Channel 5’s David Elstein (see Hardie And Elstein Tipped As Possible ITV Chief Candidates) and Mars Confectionery Marketer Peter Littlewood (see Mars Marketer Tipped For ITV Top Role) have been mooted, but as yet nobody has been tempted enough to take on the role.

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