Rachel Corp, the chief executive of storied British news producer ITN, is stepping down with immediate effect after nearly four years.
Corp, whose exit has shocked colleagues, will be replaced by Ian Rumsey, the boss of ITN Productions. It means Rumsey is U-turning on his decision — announced just last month — to join rival producer Zinc Media Group.
Corp will remain in the ITN building until May 22, but Rumsey will step into the CEO role without delay. Corp said she had decided after a “great deal of reflection” to “pursue new opportunities.”
She has been linked to the BBC News CEO role in recent weeks following the exit of Deborah Turness last year amid the scandal over Panorama’s botched Donald Trump edit.
“ITN has been a huge part of my life and career for more than three decades, and it has been a privilege to work alongside so many talented colleagues,” Corp said. “I am incredibly proud to have led ITN during such a critical period for public service journalism and trusted content in a rapidly changing industry.”
ITN produces ITV and Channel 4’s news output, as well as Good Morning Britain — which the company recently inherited from ITV Studios — and 5 News, for the Paramount-owned network.
Rumsey has run ITN’s production arm since 2021, producing factual output, including Netflix’s The Investigation of Lucy Letby and the Manhunt series.
Rumsey said: “ITN is a remarkable organisation, full of outstanding people, world-class journalism and storytelling — but, most of all, a unique attitude and spirit. Like all media businesses, we face real challenges, but we also have huge opportunities and enormous potential ahead of us.”
Kyla Mullins, ITN’s chair, did not comment on Corp’s tenure as CEO, but praised Rumsey as an “outstanding editorial and executive leader.”
She added: “ITN remains one of the most respected and trusted news organisations in the UK and internationally, as well as a prolific content powerhouse at home and globally. While the wider media environment continues to evolve rapidly, we are confident in ITN’s future, the strength of our journalism and production teams, and the opportunities ahead.”
