The appointment of Carolyn McCall as chief executive of ITV in January 2018 marked the first time a woman held the top leadership position at the commercial broadcaster. Her transition to television followed an extensive career managing major British institutions, including an influential tenure leading the budget airline EasyJet and various executive roles within the Guardian Media Group.
Early Development and Media Career
Born in Bengaluru in 1961, McCall pursued her higher education at the University of Kent, the University of London, and the UCL Institute of Education. Her corporate rise began at the Guardian Media Group. By 2006, she attained the position of chief executive officer, overseeing a period of structural adjustment that included the sale of the Manchester Evening News to Trinity Mirror and the divestment of a significant stake in Trader Media Group.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Leadership at EasyJet
In March 2010, McCall transitioned into the aviation sector as chief executive of EasyJet. During her seven-year tenure, the airline experienced a near-quadrupling in share value. Her strategic approach involved expanding the airline’s reach through the acquisition of assets from Air Berlin and Alitalia. Upon her departure in 2017, she received a £5 million payment, and her management style earned praise from industry counterparts for enhancing customer service standards across the airline market.
Broadcasting and Governance
Upon joining ITV in 2018, McCall directed the firm’s digital expansion, including the creation of BritBox in partnership with the BBC, which was eventually superseded by ITVX in 2024. Her executive career has been complemented by significant non-executive work, including roles at Lloyds TSB, New Look, and Tesco. She served on the board of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy from 2017 to 2020 and chaired the Opportunity Now project.
Professional Recognition
McCall’s contribution to British industry has been formally recognized on multiple occasions. She received the Veuve Clicquot Businesswoman of the Year award in 2008. In the same year, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. In 2016, she was named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her services to the aviation industry.
Fast facts
- Born: 1961, Bengaluru
- Citizenship: United Kingdom
- Chief executive of Guardian Media Group: 2006-2010
- Chief executive of EasyJet: 2010-2017
- Chief executive of ITV: 2018
- Veuve Clicquot Businesswoman of the Year: 2008
- Appointed OBE: 2008
- Appointed DBE: 2016
Questions readers ask
What major roles did Carolyn McCall hold before becoming ITV CEO?
She served as the chief executive of the Guardian Media Group and subsequently the chief executive of EasyJet.
What honours has McCall received for her business contributions?
She was named Veuve Clicquot Businesswoman of the Year in 2008, appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2008, and named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2016.
Achievements
- Officer of the Order of the British Empire — 2008
- Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire — 2016
- Educated at University of Kent and University of London
