ITV confirms director reshuffle but not Archie Norman reports

ITV has confirmed the departure of its director of television but not reports that chairman Archie Norman is also stepping down.

Ex-Asda boss Norman has led the broadcaster since 2010 and was reported at the weekend to have revealed to fellow directors that he plans to exit the broadcaster stage left as soon as a replacement is found.

The board has also begun a search for chief executive Adam Crozier's future replacement, according to sources cited by the Financial Times, which said the Scot was expected to remain in post for at least two more years.

Norman, who has been advising Australian retailer Wesfarmers as it acquires Homebase from Home Retail, hired former Royal Mail and Saatchi & Saatchi boss Crozier in January 2010.

Although it mentioned nothing of Norman's exit, ITV said on Monday that TV chief Peter Fincham would leave after eight years and be replaced by Kevin Lygo, the current head of ITV Studios and a former director of television at Channel 4.

Crozier said: "Peter came to see me in September to say that he wanted to step down and whilst I am sorry to see him leave, eight years is a long time and I fully respect his desire for a new challenge."

He added: “We are fortunate to have some of the best creative talent in the industry at ITV and that has enabled us to put in place a seamless succession plan."