Chris Kennedy

Group COO and CFO at ITV

Chris Kennedy is the Group Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at ITV plc, having taken on the COO role in December 2021 after serving as CFO since February 2019. He has a robust background in finance and management, with over 25 years of experience in various senior roles across multiple industries.

Career Background

Before joining ITV, Kennedy held significant positions at several prominent companies:

Micro Focus International plc: CFO from January 2018 to February 2019.
ARM Holdings: CFO from September 2015 to April 2017.
easyJet plc: CFO from June 2010 to September 2015, where he was recognized as FTSE100 CFO of the Year in 2015.
EMI Group: He had a long tenure at EMI, where he served in various roles including CFO and COO, contributing to the company's strategic direction and financial management.

Education

Kennedy graduated from the University of Cambridge, where he earned a degree in Engineering/Electrical Sciences.

Current Roles and Contributions

In addition to his responsibilities at ITV, Kennedy serves as a non-executive director and chair of the audit committee for Whitbread plc, and as a non-executive director for the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust. His strategic insights and financial acumen are crucial for ITV's ongoing initiatives, particularly in rationalization and cost savings.1 2 3 4

Highlights

Oct 14 · The Irish Times

Pat Phelan: 'When we started working on Sisu, most people thought I was losing the plot' - The Irish Times

Oct 14 · The Irish Times

Pat Phelan: 'When we started working on Sisu, most people thought I was losing the plot' - The Irish Times

Dec 2 · reuters.com

Britain's ITV names finance head Chris Kennedy as COO - Reuters

Nov 5 · deadline.com

ITV Hires Former EMI Exec Chris Kennedy As Chief Finance Officer

Experience

Group COO and CFO at ITV (October 2021 - Present)

Group CFO at ITV (February 2019 - November 2021), Group CFO at Micro Focus (January 2018 - February 2019), CFO at ARM Holdings (September 2015 - April 2017), CFO at easyJet (June 2010 - September 2015), Chief Investment Officer and President of Corporate Development at EMI Music (May 2009 - June 2010), CFO at EMI Music (April 2008 - May 2009), COO EMI International at EMI Music (February 2006 - April 2008), COO EMI Europe at EMI Music (2004 - 2007), CFO UK and Ireland at EMI Music (February 1998 - 2004), Various Finance Roles at EMI Music (September 1993 - January 1998), Venture Capitalist at Royal Trust Bank (September 1990 - November 1992), Consulting and Audit at Deloitte Haskins & Sells (September 1984 - September 1990)

Education

A levels in Natural Sciences from Xaverian College, Manchester (1974 - 1981); First/2:1 in Engineering/Electrical Sciences from University of Cambridge (1981 - 1984)