Vue, the world’s largest cinema operator outside the US, is considering a sale or stock market listing.

Former ITV chief executive Adam Crozier has been appointed non-executive chair of Vue International, as the cinema chain considers a potential sale or stock market listing.

Crozier, who stood down as ITV chief executive after seven years in May and left at the end of June, said that his next focus was to “build a portfolio of roles across the plc and private sectors”.

Vue has 212 sites in 10 countries, making it the sixth largest cinema operator in the world and the biggest outside the US.

The cinema group, which has its headquarters in the UK, appointed investment banks Rothschild and JP Morgan earlier this summer to explore strategic options and is valued at up to £1.6bn.

“We are delighted that Adam is joining Vue International as chairman as we continue to pursue our strategic growth plans and identify further global expansion opportunities,” said Tim Richards, Vue’s founder and chief executive. “Further enriching the strength and experience of the board is part of our plan to grow our business internationally at a time when the industry is set for increased consolidation.”

Crozier, who is to be replaced at ITV by easyJet boss Carolyn McCall, was appointed a non-executive director of Whitbread, the owner of Costa Coffee and Premier Inn, in January.

He has also served as chief executive of Royal Mail, the Football Association and Saatchi & Saatchi.

“I have watched the development and growth of Vue International with great interest and am excited to be joining the group to play an active role in furthering their future ambitions,” said Crozier, who takes up his new role with immediate effect.

Vue is owned by two of Canada’s largest pension funds – Omers Private Equity and Alberta Investment Management – which acquired the group from UK-based private equity investor Doughty Hanson for £935m in 2013.

Last year, China’s Dalian Wanda acquired group Odeon for £921m. rival chain Carmike for $1.1bn, as well as UK. In the US it owns chains AMC and Carmike.