EasyJet's McCall set for golden hello on ITV arrival

Dame Carolyn McCall will receive a multi-million pound welcome package from ITV when she touches down in January, as the broadcaster said it would compensate her for any loss of bonus from leaving easyJet.

The budget airline and media company today confirmed McCall, chief executive for seven years at easyJet, would land at ITV in January.

The former chief executive of Guardian Media Group called the decision to move a difficult but said the “opportunity from ITV felt like the right one to take. It is a fantastic company in a dynamic and stimulating sector.”

McCall was expected to receive a bonus between £1.5 million and £3.2 million. EasyJet shares have risen this year after the Brexit vote, potentially boosing her bonus.

At ITV she will be paid £900,000 plus a bonus of up to 180% of salary, which it said was in line with what previous boss Adam Crozier was paid.

Crozier, a former Royal Mail and Football Association chief executive who left in June after seven years, is credited with turning around ITV. However, the share price has fallen in the face of a tough advertising market.

The City largely welcomed McCall’s arrival and predicted no dramatic shift in ITV’s strategy.

The broadcaster’s shares rose 3% to 180p, while easyJet shares slipped less than 1%.