Bryan Gray leaves Peel Media

BRYAN Gray has stepped down as executive chairman of Peel Media after more than two years in the job.

He will be replaced by Peel chairman John Whittaker who will become the division’s non-executive chairman and take a more active role in the business.

Peel Media, a division of the Peel Group, is the company responsible for developing MediaCity at Salford Quays.

Mr Gray took over from Brian Greasley in December 2008 while still chairman of the North West Regional Development Agency.

The 200-acre MediaCity site will be home to new headquarters for BBC North, ITV, the University of Salford and other media-related business. The BBC plans to start operating from the site later in the year.

In a statment Mr Gray said: “Phase One of MediaCityUK is now approaching completion and the operational phase has begun. The BBC is fitting out its buildings ready for occupation from the spring, the University of Salford is preparing for the first students in the autumn and many other tenants will move in this year.

“MediaCity Studios Limited, a joint venture between Peel and SIS Live, has made the first shows at The Studios, MediaCity, and we are looking forward to work beginning on the new ITV development shortly. MediaCityUK is a visionary project and a great example of partnership between the public and private sectors. I am sure it will prove to be a huge economic and cultural success.’

John Whittaker, chairman of Peel Holdings, said: “Bryan has been an outstanding chairman of Peel Media for more than two years. He has developed strong partnerships with all our stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, and ensured the delivery of a wide range of significant deals for MediaCityUK.”