Nine officially names Hugh Marks as Gyngell's replacement

Rachael Micallef
By Rachael Micallef | 9 November 2015
 
Hugh Marks

Nine Entertainment Co board member Hugh Marks has moved into a role as the broadcaster’s chief executive following the confirmation that David Gyngell will step down.

Marks will take up his new role as of tomorrow (10 November), while current CEO Gyngell will step down but remain on the Nine board as a non-executive director.

Marks joined the board of Nine in February 2013, prior to the company's CEO. He has more than 20 years' experience as a senior executive in content production and broadcasting including his current role as owner of talent agency RGM Artists. He is also involved in a number of independent content companies for TV.

As a result of his new role at Nine, Marks will cease involvement in his other businesses.

Gyngell said that Marks was the obvious choice for the role.

“For my part, it's time. I always say Nine is part of my DNA, and it's true,” Gyngell said.

“From my boyhood alongside my Dad, to this day. I love the culture and achievement of this company and I love its people. That won’t change. I will remain on the board, and I’ll be happy to offer a little advice or support when it's sought. It's now up to Hugh and the team to run the show, and I confidently wish them the very best.”

Gyngell joined Nine as CEO in November 2010, after previously working as the CEO of Nine Network from September 2007. He also previously held a role as the CEO of TV production and distribution company Granada US.

NEC chairman David Haslingden said that he was sad to see Gyngell depart the role.

“I'd like to thank David Gyngell for his tireless eight years as CEO of Nine Entertainment Co,” Haslingden said.

“He has led the company through a significant restructuring, whilst remaining an active and inspiring leader on a day-to-day basis.”

Nine recently unveiled what it is calling a “complete reset” strategy at its UpFronts event, which is being presented to media agencies over the next few weeks.

It includes a new live streaming venture, bold plans for eventual programmatic trading and a new HD channel.

Marks said he's coming into the business at a time of “challenge” but believes Nine has the right team, assets and ideas.

“Together we can work to enhance the company’s existing brands and to build new ones and lead the innovation of our premium content business,” Marks said.

“We must maintain a core that remains strong and relevant to audiences and advertisers alike, while we invest in new ideas, new platforms and develop new revenues, becoming more local and driving more Australian content.”

In addition, Nine has appointed Peter Costello as its chair of the audit and risk committee and Holly Kramer as chair of the nomination and remuneration committee. 

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