Credit: Jon Tyson via Unsplash
Seven West executives Angus Ross, managing director, Seven Television, and Trent Dickeson, COO, have been shown the door in a major leadership restructure at Southern Cross Media Group.
The change follows the departure of Jeff Howard, the former chief executive of Seven West and the CEO of the new company combining Seven and Southern Cross.
Staff were told of the latest management moves in an email from executive chair Heith Mackay-Cruise, who is the most senior executive while the company looks for a new CEO.
“I am writing today to inform you of further leadership changes that will bring about the clarity and focus the organisation requires as we move forward together,” he said
“These appointments are designed to establish stability, clarity and maximise earnings growth through our integration.
“I am confident that we are now supported by a highly capable and committed leadership group to navigate this next chapter for our organisation.”
Among the changes, Seb Rennie has been appointed as chief commercial officer for the group.
He is reporting directly to John Kelly, who came from Southern Cross and is currently interim chief executive officer – TV and audio.
Stephen Haddad has been appointed COO, also reporting to Kelly.
Mackay-Cruise said Angus Ross, who was with Seven for nearly 27 years, had made an outstanding contribution to the Seven Network.
“We are sincerely grateful for his commitment and impact,” said Mackay-Cruise.
Trent Dickeson is leaving after 13 years.
“Trent is widely respected for his deep understanding of television operations and for building a highly professional operations team,” said Mackay-Cruise.
The restructure leaves Kelly and the CEO of the publishing division, Maryna Fewster, reporting to Mackay-Cruise.
Kelly’s direct reports are Haddad and Seb Rennie.
The content content leadership team is Toby Potter, chief transformation officer, and Gereurd Roberts, group MD, Seven Digital.
The newly merged entity, which debuted on the ASX in January, controls 104 radio stations spanning the Hit Network and Triple M brands, the Seven Network television operation with national coverage, multiple publishing assets including The West Australian and The Sunday Times, and digital platforms including 7plus and LiSTNR.
Southern Cross Media Group last month reported its first combined post-merger results, for both television and audio, with total revenue down 1.5% to $1.008 billion in the half year to December.
Television revenue was down 2.1% to $712 million while audio was up 3.2% to $216.5 million.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.