Deborah Turness is heading back across the pond from her role at NBC News to take over the position of ITN CEO from Anna Mallett.
Turness is currently president of NBC News International, where she is the first woman in history to be appointed to that role.
She has previously been editor of ITV News, and originally joined ITN as a freelancer while on a post-graduate journalism course in France in her early 20s.
Mallett’s departure from ITN was announced in November. She is joining Netflix as VP of physical production across UK, EMEA, LATAM and APAC. She will leave the company on 16th April, with Turness joining on 19th April.
Speaking about her appointment, Turness said: “ITN was my home for most of my career, so I feel privileged and proud to be returning as CEO. ITN’s role in public life has never been more critical, with the pandemic demonstrating why its reputation for quality, trusted news content is second to none. I’m excited to capture the growth in streaming platforms who are hungry for ITN’s high-quality factual content, as well as creative expertise across sports, virtual events and advertising. At a moment of so much change, challenge and opportunity, I look forward to leading a brand I believe in, and a talented team of people, whose values are so dear to my heart.”
Kyla Mullins, chair of the ITN Board, added: “Deborah has impeccable credentials as a strategic leader, with journalistic nous and a keen business mind. She will bring huge passion, energy and knowledge to the company and I know she is very excited to be returning and cannot wait to get started. With her deep knowledge of and enthusiasm for ITN I’m confident she will be a huge success in this role.”
