ITV will not appoint Tony Ball

ITV will not be appointing Tony Ball as the new chief executive due to “substantial differences” of opinion.

The commercial broadcaster said it has negotiated “exhaustively” with the former BSkyB chief but the talks have resulted in disagreements over contractual arrangements and the future chairmanship of the ITV.

ITV said: “The committee has therefore concluded that it would not be in the best interests of the company to appoint Ball as ITV plc’s chief executive”

The broadcaster is now under pressure to search for a new candidate as the current chief Sir Michael Grade is expected to step down from his role by the end of the year.

Ball was reportedly looking for a five year package worth around £30 million, while ITV is thought to have offered a deal worth £20 million, based on performance-related targets.