Hazlitt exits ITV as Williams takes over

Fru Hazlitt

Fru Hazlitt is leaving UK broadcaster ITV to move overseas with her family, with her commercial chief role going to Kelly Williams.

Hazlitt – ITV’s managing director, commercial and online – has been a key figure in ITV CEO Adam Crozier’s ‘Transformation Plan’, which has seen the network focus on driving revenues through via international growth.

“Fru has been a terrific member of the management team, and has done a fantastic job in transforming ITV’s commercial operation and building our online, pay and interactive business,” said Crozier. “She leaves with our thanks and very best wishes.”

Former GCap executive Hazlitt joined ITV in 2010, succeeding Rupert Howell. This resulted in the departure of Ben McOwen-Wilson, who later joined YouTube as its film and TV chief for EMEA.

“I have had a wonderful time at ITV. I’ve really enjoyed building a fresh team, transforming the commercial side of the business and launching new revenue streams across advertising, pay, online and interactive,” said Hazlitt. “I work with extremely talented people and clients and I am very proud of all that we have achieved together. I also feel that this will be an exciting adventure for me and my family as we relocate away from the UK for the next year. “

ITV’s joint group commercial director, Williams, will replace her as MD, commercial. He will be responsible for all of the broadcaster’s commercial broadcast activities and join the ITV management board.

Simon Pitts, currently ITV’s group director, strategy and technology, will become MD, online pay and interactive. He will also retain his role as management board rep for technology.

“A key element of ITV’s strategy is to continue to grow and strengthen online, pay and interactive, which is now one of the fastest growing parts of the company,” said Crozier. Going forward online, pay and interactive will be managed separately within the broadcast division to give it even greater focus and momentum as we pursue our objective of building a global pay and distribution business.”