Nine Network MD Jeff Browne steps down
Nine Network managing director Jeff Browne is stepping down but will instead take on a new part time role with the company.
Browne, has been in the role since November 2010, and has responsibility for the TV network and also the Nine Entertainment Co businesses in Melbourne.
The managing director of the TV network told staff of his departure in an email this morning writing: “After giving the matter a lot of thought over recent months, I have decided to finish up in my role as Managing Director of Nine Network Australia.”
“I am gratified that I can make that decision when Nine is in such a strong position, having secured new agreements with Rugby League, Cricket and WIN – including the purchase of Adelaide and the pending acquisition of Perth and when our program schedule is performing the best it has in all of my 7 years here. I am also exceptionally proud of the winning culture we have built over our time together and I am confident there great things ahead for Nine.”
Browne also thanked the staff for their help in reviving the network and singled out his close working relationship with Nine Entertainment CEO David Gyngell. “I must however give special thanks to David who is and has always been, a motivating spirit, a true friend and a person I have the utmost respect and admiration for,” wrote Browne.
He also said he would be staying with the broader Nine group taking a part time role as executive director – commercial, of Nine Entertainment.
During his watch Browne played a key role in a number of significant deals for the TV network including the securing the NRL rights, cricket and the purchase of WIN TV stations in Perth and Adelaide.
In a statement, Nine CEO David Gyngell has also paid tribute to Browne’s contribution to the network.
“Jeff’s made the call after seven terrific years at the top of the Network – the time is right for him and he departs the role with Nine in fantastic shape,” Gyngell said.
“I’ll miss him not only as a robust and talented managing director, but the best deal closer in the business, a friend and simply a terrific bloke. He leaves us in a much stronger position than when he came on board, which is a fitting tribute.”
Browne will finish on August 1 with his reports to now report to David Gyngell. His role of network managing director will not be replaced.
Gyngell recently told the Mumbrella 360 conference that: “I like to think of myself as the TV guy.”
Nic Christensen
The full email to staff:
After giving the matter a lot of thought over recent months, I have decided to finish up in my role as Managing Director of Nine Network Australia.
I am gratified that I can make that decision when Nine is in such a strong position, having secured new agreements with Rugby League, Cricket and WIN – including the purchase of Adelaide and the pending acquisition of Perth and when our program schedule is performing the best it has in all of my 7 years here. I am also exceptionally proud of the winning culture we have built over our time together and I am confident there great things ahead for Nine.
I have so many people to thank and I will do so personally over the next little while, but in the meantime please accept my collective thanks and appreciation for the huge effort you have all put in to make us the success we have become today. I must however give special thanks to David who is and has always been, a motivating spirit, a true friend and a person I have the utmost respect and admiration for.
I will be taking on some other tasks in business but I will not be lost to the broader group as I also take on a new part time role as Executive Director – Commercial, of the Nine Entertainment Company. That role will see me maintain a presence here at Willoughby and I look forward to continuing to monitor your progress and seeing many of you still, about the office.
Thank you again and I look forward to some long lunches and drinks to recount the many tall tales of the last 7 years.
Best wishes,
Jeffrey
