Michael Grade, 61, has been linked to nearly every top job going vacant in the TV industry in recent years - including ITV chairman and the BBC chairmanship last time round, when the job went to Gavyn Davies in 2001. This is a tribute to the former Channel 4 chief executive's enduring reputation as one of the brightest sparks - and most flamboyant operators - in British broadcasting management.
Since quitting his Channel 4 job in 1997, Mr Grade has taken on a number of board level positions. He is chairman of National Lottery operator Camelot, executive chairman of film studio Pinewood-Shepperton and non-executive chair of business information group Hemscott. His directorships include the Scottish Media Group, Television Corporation and Charlton Athletic football club.
He spent three years at the BBC in the mid-80s, as BBC1 controller and then BBC TV director of programmes, and is credited with laying the groundwork for one of BBC1's most successful periods, which included the launch of EastEnders.
However, Mr Grade left the BBC in controversial circumstances in 1988 after falling out with then deputy director general John Birt. He joined Channel 4 as chief executive after holding secret talks with the broadcaster's then chairman, Sir Richard Attenborough.
He began his media career as a reporter and then sports columnist at the Daily Mirror in the early 60s. In 1966 he moved into the talent agency business, which eventually led into TV, with Grade joining LWT's entertainment department as deputy controller in 1973.
He became director of programmes at LWT in 1977, but left the company four years later to try his hand at producing TV shows in Los Angeles. He came back to the UK to become BBC1 controller in 1984.
