FC career path of the week

There was a lot of talk earlier this week about common sense returning to ITV with the appointment of Michael Grade as chairman. At last, said the media crowd, a TV person running the organisation, not a beancounter! (Although what's got less attention from the meeja folk is that FD John Cresswell is likely to be Grade's number two as COO... Smart guy, our Mike.)

Well, I sympathise. A bit, anyway. Good CEOs with accountancy qualifications know their limits and concentrate on running the business, appointing the best talent in the production roles. (Interestingly, I think the only reason to make Grade chairman instead of "creative director" is that the company has such poor morale that having a true figurehead is essential. He probably wouldn't have settled for anything less that the chair, anyway, but I doubt he'll be on the audit committee or spending all his time with shareholders. Enter Cresswell.)

And then I found this story about the new vice-chairman of Monmouthshire Building Society, one Robert Williams. He was formerly managing director at Mills & Boon - having been its financial controller. There are lots of stories like this, but it's a timely reminder that smart finance guys with a breadth of vision and a willingness to get stuck in can succeed as leaders at companies that require creative, brand-driven growth.