Whittaker takes over as Gray steps down from Peel Media

John Whittaker, chairman of Peel Group, has taken on the role of non-executive chairman of the Peel Media subsidiary following the departure of Bryan Gray, executive chairman since December 2008.

Peel Media is the company responsible for developing Media City UK at Salford Quays.

Gray, who steps down with immediate effect, said in a statement: "Phase One of Media City UK 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. Media City Studios Limited, a joint venture between Peel and SIS Live, has made the first shows at The Studios and we are looking forward to work beginning on the new ITV development shortly."

Gray is a former chairman of the North West Development Agency, which awarded £30m to Salford City Council to develop the infrastructure at Media City including the new tram stop, the bridge and promenade. Gray was replaced by Peel Group director Robert Hough.

Whittaker added: "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 Media City UK. As we complete the construction programme for phase one and move towards an operational business, we can look forward to building on the work of Bryan and his team. I would like to personally wish Bryan well for the future."