Central loses director

MARSHALL Stuart, the man behind Central Independent Television's successful pounds 2,000 a year bid to retain its ITV franchise, is leaving the group's board to set up his own communications consultancy, writes Jason Nisse.

However Mr Stuart, who was director of corporate strategy, will still work for Central.

He is the second member of Central's board to leave this year, following Kevin Betts, the group finance director, who resigned in February. He was replaced by Kazia Kantor just two weeks ago.

A former editor of the Today programme, Mr Stuart was head of information at the BBC before joining Central in 1982. His role has included governmental lobbying and he headed the Licence Campaign Team that was so successful for Central.

Leslie Hill, Central's chairman, said: 'We will miss Marshall greatly. However, I understand his wish to move at this time.'