Interim chairman Sir Brian Pitman

Sir Brian will take over the post that had originally been designated for Carlton boss Michael Green.

Last month Mr Green was ousted as chairman-designate of the firm following a bitter battle with shareholders.

Merger partners Carlton and Granada said they hoped to have a permanent, independent chairman in place by the time the merger is completed early next year.

New board

Sir Brian is currently a member of Carlton's board, and his appointment was confirmed following a meeting of directors from Granada and Carlton.

Michael Green was ousted by shareholders last month

Granada board member Sir George Russell will act as interim deputy chairman.

There will also be a "board in waiting" consisting of three directors from each firm.

The board will also include Charles Allen, the designated chief executive of the combined business, and Henry Staunton, the designated finance director.

Shareholder victory

The ousting of Mr Green came only a couple of weeks after the merger between Carlton and Granada was cleared by the government.

A group of investors who owned big stakes in both Carlton and Granada were unhappy at the prospect of him becoming chairman of the new media giant.

Shareholders were reported to be unhappy with Mr Green's management style, following the unsuccessful ITV Digital venture.

They were also concerned at his intention to be a hands-on executive chairman.