Ian Rumsey has described his appointment as chief executive of ITN as a surprise, after Rachel Corp stepped down from the role with immediate effect on Tuesday. In an email to staff, Rumsey said the announcement was 'very big news' and that he had not expected to leave the company, having resigned just last month to take up a role at rival producer Zinc Media Group.
'Someone once told me that the definition of news is something that surprises you. In which case, today's announcement was very big news for everyone at ITN, I'm sure,' Rumsey wrote. He said the offer to become CEO of ITN, which he called 'my home', was one he accepted without hesitation.
Corp said it was her decision to seek new challenges, but insiders described the leadership change as 'ruthless' and 'brutal'. Kyla Mullins, ITN's chair, thanked Corp for her three decades of service, including nearly four years as CEO, praising her 'commitment and resilience'. Corp's exit follows the settlement of a lawsuit brought by 5 News presenter Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije, who claimed unfair dismissal, discrimination and harassment.
In a LinkedIn post, Corp reflected on her tenure, highlighting the company's billion digital views a month, BAFTA awards and the deal to make Good Morning Britain. There is speculation that she may be pursued by the BBC, which is seeking a new news boss following the departure of Deborah Turness.
Rumsey, who has run ITN's production arm since 2021, producing factual output including Netflix's The Investigation of Lucy Letby and the Manhunt series, told staff the company faced 'a lot of uncertainties' but urged bold decisions. 'We don't punch above our weight. Because we ARE a heavyweight,' he said.
