New top man at Arqiva
January 11, 2011
by Chris Forrester
John Cresswell, ITV pro tem chief executive prior to Adam Crozier’s appointment, and previously the broadcaster’s well-regarded COO, is joining UK transmission company Arqiva as CEO. Cresswell ran ITV following the departure of Michael Grade in 2009. Cresswell joins Arqiva January 17 and will replace Tom Bennie who is stepping down after 32 years with Arqiva.
“The key attraction is that there are huge opportunities and massive potential for growth,” said Cresswell. “The spectrum released from digital switchover means opportunity, look at the proliferation of mobile devices and handsets and the need for network upgrades. Tom Alexander [Orange’s UK chief executive] is talking about 4G and 5G by the end of the decade … and we are well placed for that”.
Cresswell will assume responsibility for an organisation with turnover approaching £850 million, with over 2,000 employees based at around 80 locations in the UK, Europe and the USA, as well as a range of critical national infrastructure projects.
Peter Shore, Chairman of Arqiva’s Board of Directors, noted that the ongoing development of digital communications was transforming the media, communications and utilities industries and generating opportunities for critical communications infrastructure and services both in the UK and internationally. “The growth potential in our markets is enormous and the time is right for Arqiva to bring in new executive leadership to drive the company forward. John’s broad industry experience, knowledge and leadership skills mean he is ideally placed to help us shape and realise these opportunities today and in the future,” he stated.