Ten Network Holdings Ltd (ASX:TEN) has appointed Grant Blackley as chief executive officer of Ten Holdings effective immediately.

Mr Blackley, who joined Network Ten in Sydney in 1987, is currently chief executive officer - television for Network Ten. This role that he has held since May 2005 will continue to hold, the company said.

Ten Holdings Chairman, Brian Long, welcomed the appointment.

According to him, "Grant brings considerable leadership strength and a wealth of industry experience to the role as the most senior executive within the Ten Holdings group of companies."

"He has led Network Ten during a period of important strategic development and managed the business to withstand the challenges of the advertising downturn of recent years.

"The board is confident the company is in very good hands as we move to deliver on our strategy in 2011 and beyond, and we look forward to Grant's further contribution as head of the listed entity."

Gerry Thorley will continue in his role of chief executive officer of the company's out-of-home advertising business, EYE Group.

There will be no change to Mr Blackley's service agreement.

By 1514 AEDT, Ten shares lost half a cent at $1.445.