EasyJet CEO McCall resigning to run broadcaster ITV

EasyJet will announce Monday that CEO Carolyn McCall is stepping down from the discount carrier to take up the same role at broadcaster ITV, according to a person familiar with the matter. McCall told the airline’s board of her decision Sunday, according to the person, who asked not to be identified discussing the switch. McCall has offered to stay at EasyJet through year-end while the company seeks a successor, the person said, adding that a search firm is set to begin the hunt immediately. Representatives of EasyJet and ITV declined to comment. McCall, 55, took over at EasyJet in July 2010 after rising to the helm of the Guardian Media Group. Since then she has helped transform the European aviation industry along with rival Ryanair Holdings Plc through the rapid expansion of low-cost carriers. More recently the airline has struggled with the impact of Britain’s vote to exit the European Union, the collapse of oil prices and a string of terror attacks which has driven a slump in ticket prices. The next EasyJet CEO must “increase focus on cost management and possible restructuring," Daniel Roeska and Caius Slater, analysts for Sanford C. Bernstein, wrote Sunday in a note to investors. “We think bringing in an external candidate, given the required qualifications, with fewer ties to the organization and a fresh view, may be beneficial for shareholders."<br/>