2026 Shortlisted nominee
Chief Executive of the Year Award
Dame Carolyn McCall, ITV Plc CEO since 2018, has transformed the business to thrive in a fiercely competitive digital media world. ITV transitioned from a linear-only broadcaster into a media and entertainment business with successful streamer ITVX and a scaled, expanding global production business. She negotiated selling ITV’s Media & Entertainment arm to Sky for up to £1.6 billion, subject to regulatory approval. If approved, ITV Studios will become an independent, UK-listed, global company. Previously, as CEO of easyJet (2010–2017), McCall quadrupled the airline’s share price. As CEO of Guardian Media Group (2006–2010), she secured the publisher’s long-term financial independence and launched the Guardian’s first website. A Non-Executive Director at Bridgepoint plc and a Royal Ballet and Opera board member, she is also President of The Marketing Society. McCall was awarded a DBE in 2016 and an OBE in 2008.
