The appointment of Mr Crozier, first revealed by Sky News business presenter Jeff Randall, ends a difficult hunt for a long-term successor to former executive chairman Michael Grade.

Mr Crozier will join Archie Norman, who took over as chairman this month, in spearheading the broadcaster's turnaround efforts following a tough 2009.

Mr Crozier, who will take up the reins at ITV later this year, has been chief executive of Royal Mail for seven years and before that held the same role at the Football Association.

Mr Norman said the 46-year-old had a "thorough understanding of the media, advertising and branding industries" and showed his mettle by getting to grips with Royal Mail - where he earned almost £1m in pay and bonuses last year.

“In his seven years at the Royal Mail, Adam has transformed the group from a loss-making organisation into a profitable business that last year doubled its operating profits to more than £320m," he added.

Mr Crozier said he was excited to be joining a company with a "great heritage".

He went on: "The entire media sector is going through enormous change and that presents both great opportunities and significant challenges for everyone in the industry.

"The objective for ITV is to rise to those challenges and put itself at the forefront of change.

"I am very much looking forward to working with the people at ITV and leading the transformation ahead."

The Communication Workers Union responded to news of Mr Crozier's impending departure from Royal Mail by saying his replacement must have a strong public service ethos.

CWU general secretary Billy Hayes said: "It's crucial now that Adam Crozier's final days at Royal Mail secure an agreement on modernisation that provides a successful future for the company, its workforce and customers."

Source: Sky News