Michael Grade has today resigned as Chairman of the BBC with immediate effect to become Executive Chairman of ITV.

The Board of Governors and the BBC Trust have issued statements as follows.

Statement by Anthony Salz, Vice-Chairman on behalf of the Board of Governors: "Michael Grade has been an inspirational leader of the BBC since his appointment in May 2004. His passion for quality and value for money has been a driving influence for major changes, all with the sole purpose of delivering a better service for the public.  

"The Board is disappointed he is moving to ITV, but he leaves behind a BBC that is passionate about and committed to serving the public in new and exciting ways." 

Statement by Chitra Bharucha, Vice-Chairman on behalf of the BBC Trust: "All of us recently appointed to the BBC Trust are disappointed we will not have an opportunity to work with Michael Grade.  

"His success in securing a new 10 year Charter for the BBC that safeguards its independence and ensures it operates only in the public's interest is testimony to his time as Chairman.  

"Importantly,and because of him, the Charter future-proofs the new governance arrangements which will be operational from January and place the interests of licence fee payers at the heart of our decisions.  

"The BBC Trust wishes Michael Grade well for the future."

Sourced From: Perfect Relations Limited