UTV Media has appointed Richard Huntingford as chairman with immediate effect.

Mr Huntingford has over 25 years of experience in the media industry and was previously chief executive of Chrysalis and executive chairman of Virgin Radio.

He also worked as a non-executive director at KPMG for 12 years.

Mr Huntingford is currently chairman at Boomerang Plus and Creston and a non-executive director at Crown Place VCT plc (NED). He is also chairman of Prince’s Trust Trading Limited, the commercial and events arm of the Prince’s Trust, and a Governor of Radley College.

UTV interim chairman Helen Kirkpatrick said Mr Huntingford's extensive experience made him an excellent choice to lead the board.