July 17 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories in the Financial Times. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
Headlines
Hammond seeks Brexit transition as cushion for the economy http://on.ft.com/2tv5J3A
Barry Callebaut signals global chocolate revival http://on.ft.com/2tvuhcR
Carolyn McCall set to become new chief executive of ITV http://on.ft.com/2tv8wK2
Overview
Philip Hammond has called for a Brexit transition deal that would give business a cushion of a "couple of years" after the UK leaves the EU as he accused hardliner cabinet members of trying to undermine him.
Barry Callebaut AG Chief Executive Antoine de Saint-Affrique said sales had accelerated in recent months and would return to a "normal rhythm" of growth as global chocolate sales are poised for a revival amid industry innovation and tumbling cocoa bean prices spur growth.
easyJet plc Chief Executive Carolyn McCall is set to be appointed head of ITV plc as early as Monday, as the UK's biggest commercial broadcaster ends its search for a successor to Adam Crozier. (Compiled by Bengaluru newsroom; Editing by Sandra Maler)