Charles Allen (businessman)

Charles Allen (born 4 January 1957) was Chief Executive of ITV plc from its formation in 2004 until 2007.

He joined Granada Group In 1991, as CEO of Granada TV, During the next several years he was instrumental in the takeovers of Forte Hotels for £3.9 billion in 1997 and the Takeovers of LWT and Yorkshire Tyne Tees Television in 1994 and 1999 respectively. In 2001 Granada Group merged with Compass to form Granada Compass, then de-merged into Granada Media Plc and Compass Group. He remained with Granada when the two companies demerged and became Executive Chairman of Granada plc in 2001. When Granada merged with Carlton Communications to form ITV plc, Allen became the new company's Chief executive officer.

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

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

In a statement, ITV plc 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".

It was confirmed on 28 November 2006 that Michael Grade would succeed Allen's position at ITV plc.