ITN’s Hardie to quit CEO role at the end of the year

ITN CEO John Hardie is quitting his role at the end of 2018 following nine years at the helm of the UK-based news organisation and content producer.

Since joining in 2009, Hardie has overseen a successful period for the company, returning ITN to profitability and diversifying the business to achieve record revenues and profits.

Commenting, Hardie said: “It has been my honour to lead this organisation for nearly a decade. But the time has come for me to start the next chapter of my career and pursue some long-held ambitions and it is the right time for a new CEO to take the reins.”

Departing on a high note, Hardie said he had helped solidify ITN’s position not only in world-class broadcast news but also in television production, sports, advertising and digital. “Today’s ITN is stronger than it has ever been, with our creativity as well as our journalism recognised globally at the highest level, a growing international client base and a robust plan for the future. I look forward to watching the company continue to flourish into the next stage of its evolution.”

ITN Chair Geert Linnebank said Hardie has transformed ITN “into a thriving, profitable and diversified organisation with a global reputation for excellence. Under his leadership, ITN has seen a period of unprecedented growth. He leaves the company in fantastic shape for the future with a strong blueprint for further expansion.” A search for Hardie’s successor will get underway shortly, said ITN.