Emma Gormley: The Visionary Managing Director Transforming ITV Studios Daytime
Emma Gormley stands as one of the most influential figures in British television today. As the Managing Director of ITV Studios Daytime, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of daytime television in the United Kingdom. With over a decade at the helm of ITV Studios Daytime, Emma has combined creativity, strategic acumen, and strong leadership to deliver some of the nation’s most-watched programmes. This article delves into her remarkable career journey, her impact on iconic shows such as This Morning, and her collaborative leadership alongside industry figures like Martin Frizell.
The Journey of Emma Gormley in British Television
Early Career and Rise at ITV
Emma Gormley’s extensive career in television spans more than 15 years, predominantly with ITV Studios. She began in editorial and production roles, steadily climbing the ranks through her dedication and editorial expertise. From Head of Features and Deputy Editor at GMTV, to Editor of Lorraine, she gained invaluable experience managing high-profile live television shows.
In October 2013, Emma took on the role of Managing Executive Producer for ITV Studios Daytime. Her proven skills in managing large creative teams and handling complex productions prepared her well for the next step in her career.
Appointment as Managing Director Daytime
In February 2015, Emma Gormley was appointed Managing Director of ITV Studios Daytime, a role she has excelled in for over 10 years. Under her leadership, the division has flourished, overseeing the production of over 2,000 hours of ITV content annually, including flagship programmes like Good Morning Britain, Lorraine, This Morning, and Loose Women.
Emma manages a large, dynamic business of more than 500 staff members, successfully balancing creative innovation with financial performance. Her leadership style is marked by clear decision-making, inspiration, and an unwavering commitment to quality and audience engagement.
Emma Gormley and ITV Studios Daytime: Leading a Powerhouse
A Creative and Business Leader
Emma’s approach to leadership is unique in that she combines creative renewal with sound business strategy. She has consistently modernised ITV Studios Daytime, adapting the programming to the evolving tastes of viewers while maintaining commercial success. This is reflected in the steadily growing audiences and numerous awards won by the shows under her purview.
Her editorial and journalistic judgement is highly regarded in the industry. Emma is adept at managing top-level talent, negotiating contracts, and handling crises when they arise, all while maintaining strong relationships with agents and broadcasters.
Managing Live and Unscripted Television
Daytime television is notoriously demanding due to its live and unscripted nature. Emma’s stewardship involves constant vigilance over compliance with legal, Ofcom, and broadcasting standards across nearly 2,000 hours of content annually. This regulatory responsibility is coupled with the need for fast, on-the-fly problem solving during live broadcasts.
Her role requires a nimble mindset and the ability to inspire her teams to deliver high-quality programming day in and day out. The success of ITV’s daytime shows attests to Emma’s effectiveness as a leader in this challenging environment.
Emma Gormley and This Morning: Navigating Change and Challenges
Relationship with Martin Frizell
A significant figure in the ITV daytime ecosystem is Martin Frizell, the former editor of This Morning. He served as editor for a decade, overseeing the show’s evolution and its strong ratings.
Emma Gormley worked closely with Martin during his tenure, recognising his crucial contribution to This Morning’s sustained success. Their collaboration ensured that the show adapted to changing viewer habits and expanded its digital footprint, helping it maintain relevance in a competitive market.
Transition and Leadership Continuity
In 2025, Martin Frizell stepped down from his role for personal reasons, marking the end of an era for This Morning. Emma publicly acknowledged his achievements and the strong foundation he left behind. Under her direction, ITV Studios Daytime managed the transition smoothly, appointing new leadership to continue driving the programme’s success.
Emma’s ability to manage such high-profile transitions while maintaining the show’s quality reflects her deep understanding of the television industry and commitment to the programmes she oversees.
Strategic Vision and Industry Influence
Collaboration with Broadcasters and Senior Executives
Emma’s role extends beyond ITV Studios Daytime. She maintains longstanding and respected relationships with senior commissioners and controllers not only at ITV Network but also across other major broadcasters in the UK. Her dual role involves close collaboration with the MD of ITV’s Media and Entertainment division, ensuring alignment between production and broadcasting strategies.
Her networking and communication skills enable her to influence commissioning decisions and help position ITV’s daytime slate strongly within the competitive UK television market.
Championing Diversity and Inclusion
Beyond her professional achievements, Emma Gormley is a vocal advocate for diversity in the television industry. She serves as Co-Chair of ITV Women’s Network and is an active member of the Diversity and Inclusion network within ITV.
Her leadership in this area underscores her belief that a more inclusive industry is a stronger, more creative one. Emma encourages policies and practices that support gender equality and create opportunities for underrepresented groups in media.
Emma Gormley’s Leadership Style and Impact
Inspiring Teams and Driving Innovation
Emma’s leadership is characterised by inspiration and motivation. Managing a large workforce in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment demands clear communication and decisive action. She has cultivated a culture where creativity thrives alongside discipline, enabling her teams to produce award-winning, high-quality content consistently.
Her openness to creative renewal has ensured that ITV Studios Daytime programmes remain fresh and engaging, balancing tradition with innovation.
Crisis Management Expertise
Live television inevitably presents challenges and crises. Emma’s proven ability to manage these effectively has been critical to ITV Studios Daytime’s success. Whether navigating public relations issues, technical difficulties, or contractual challenges, she approaches problems with calm, clarity, and a solutions-focused mindset.
Her steady hand during crises has earned the respect of colleagues and the trust of talent and stakeholders alike.
Emma Gormley and the Future of Daytime Television
Adapting to a Digital World
Under Emma’s leadership, ITV Studios Daytime has embraced the digital shift, ensuring that daytime content is accessible across multiple platforms. This includes expanding the shows’ digital presence through streaming and social media, meeting the demands of changing viewer consumption habits.
Emma continues to push for innovation in content delivery, recognising that the future of daytime television depends on adaptability and audience engagement beyond traditional broadcast.
Sustaining Growth and Excellence
Emma Gormley’s vision for ITV Studios Daytime remains focused on sustainable growth, creativity, and excellence. She aims to maintain the high standards ITV audiences expect while exploring new formats and storytelling approaches.
Her ongoing commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a supportive work environment sets the stage for continued success in the years ahead.
Conclusion
Emma Gormley is a dynamic and visionary leader whose impact on British daytime television is profound. As Managing Director of ITV Studios Daytime, she has successfully balanced creative innovation with commercial viability, overseeing some of the UK’s most beloved programmes. Her close collaboration with figures like Martin Frizell, commitment to diversity, and forward-thinking strategies have solidified her reputation as a powerhouse in the television industry.
Emma’s leadership exemplifies how strong editorial judgement, strategic insight, and passionate advocacy for inclusion can drive a thriving creative business in a fast-changing media landscape. Her story offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in the future of television production and management in the UK.
