UTV Appoints Chairman

The Board of UTV Media plc is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Huntingford as Chairman with immediate effect. Helen Kirkpatrick steps down as Interim Chairman remaining as a Non-Executive Director of the Board.
Richard joins UTV with a successful 25 year track record at plc Board level in the media industry, both as an Executive and subsequently Non-Executive Director, preceded by twelve years at KPMG plc.
Richard was Chief Executive of Chrysalis plc from 2000 until 2007, responsible for building a broadly-based media group through a combination of organic and acquisition-led growth. He then oversaw the realisation of significant value for shareholders through the disposal of the group’s television and radio interests. Richard was appointed Executive Chairman of Virgin Radio in 2007 until its sale to Times of India in 2008.
Since then, Richard has enjoyed a successful portfolio career with Non-Executive Director roles at Boomerang Plus plc (Chairman), Creston plc (NED and RemCo Chair) and Crown Place VCT plc (NED). He is also Chairman of Prince’s Trust Trading Limited, the commercial and events arm of the Prince’s Trust, and a Governor of Radley College. From 2005 to 2006 he served as a Non-Executive Director on the board of Virgin Mobile Holdings (UK) plc, prior to its merger with Ntl.
Interim Chairman, Helen Kirkpatrick said: “I am delighted that UTV has found such an outstanding candidate to become Chairman after a very thorough recruitment process in recent months.
“Richard has enjoyed a highly distinguished career in the media sector and has extensive plc board experience as a Non-Executive Director and Chairman making him an excellent choice to lead the UTV Board. We look forward to the additional perspective he will be able to bring to the UTV Group going forward.
“On behalf of the Board I would like to welcome Richard to UTV and wish him every success with the Group.”
Richard Huntingford said: “I am delighted to have been given such an exciting opportunity at UTV, a company I have always admired for its achievements. I look forward to working with my new colleagues on the Board in helping John McCann and his executive team deliver continuing long-term value for UTV’s shareholders.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Helen Kirkpatrick for her outstanding contribution to the company as Interim Chairman.”
(GK)