easyJet chief executive Carolyn McCall will leave the low-cost carrier to join the board of ITV as chief executive.

McCall has led easyJet for seven years.

Prior to easyJet, she was group chief executive at the Guardian Media Group.

Peter Bazalgette, chairman of ITV, said: “In a very impressive field of high calibre candidates, Carolyn stood out for her track record in media, experience of an international operation, clear strategic acumen and strong record of delivering value to shareholders.

“I’m delighted we’ll be working together at ITV.”

McCall will take up her role at ITV on January 8th, 2018.

She replaces previous chief executive, Adam Crozier, who left ITV in June.

During her tenure at easyJet, McCall has sought to bring a customer focussed approach to the business and redefine what passengers expect from short haul flights.

McCall said: “I’m really pleased to be joining ITV.

“It is a fantastic company in a dynamic and stimulating sector.

“I am looking forward to getting to know all of the people at ITV and helping it make the most of the amazing opportunities that it has in the future.”

McCall has been a non-executive director of Burberry since 2014.

She sits on the board of the department of business, energy and industrial strategy and is a trustee at the Royal Academy.

easyJet will now begin the search for a new chief executive.

Potential internal successors include Peter Duffy, commercial director at the Luton-based carrier, and Andrew Findlay, the chief financial officer.