Charles Allen (television magnate)

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Charles Allen (born 4 January 1957) was Chief Executive of ITV plc from its formation in 2004 until 2006.

Originally on the board of Compass Group plc, he joined Granada Group when the two organisations merged. He remained with Granada when the two companies demerged and became chairman of Granada plc in 2001. When Granada merged with Carlton Communications to form ITV plc, Allen became the new company's Chief Executive.^[1]

In an annual survey^[2] by The Independent of the UK's most influential gay and lesbian people, Charles Allen entered the list at number 15 in 2006.

[edit] Allen steps down

ITV announced on 8 August 2006 that Allen is stepping down after two and a half years at the helm.

In a statement, ITV said Mr Allen would remain at the company while head-hunters carried out the process of finding a replacement.

Finance director John Cresswell has been appointed interim chief executive from October 1 and will work alongside Mr Allen to ensure an "orderly transition".^[3]

It was confirmed on 28 November 2006 that Michael Grade would suceed Allen's potision at ITV plc[1].