John Cresswell

John Cresswell has enjoyed a high-profile executive career spanning three decades, the majority in the rapidly changing broadcast, technology and creative sectors. He has significant experience leading businesses through challenging and uncertain times, providing direction through a shared strategic vision, rebuilding culture and delivering improved financial performance.

At ITV, John held a number of senior finance and management roles before advancing to Chief Operating Officer of Granada/ITV Productions, responsible for all global Film & TV production along with licensing and merchandising of content. He was appointed to the ITV Board in 2006 where he served as CFO, COO and Interim CEO, successfully steering the business through the 2008 financial crisis.

John served as CEO of privately owned Arqiva for 5 years leading a cultural, strategic and financial turnaround. More recently he was CEO of the Bibby Line Group, a 200-year-old diverse family company, standing down at the end of 2020 having completed the rationalisation of the group portfolio. John was a Non-Executive Director at Capita for 5 years where he also Chaired the Remuneration Committee. He was also previously Non-Executive Director of The Ambassador Theatre Group, Liverpool Football and Athletic Grounds, and Imaginarium Holdings.

John is currently the Chair of J. Murphy & Sons Ltd and serves as an Operating Advisor to Lazard Asset Management. He holds a degree in Economics and Politics from the University of Keele, an advanced management programme from Havard Business School and is a qualified Chartered Accountant.