MCN CEO Anthony Fitzgerald exits after 15 years
Multi-Channel Network’s chief executive, Anthony Fitzgerald, has departed the company after 15 years.
Fitzgerald joined MCN from Seven in 2003, after more than 18 years as network director of sales.
Fitzgerald is stepping down after 15 years
In his time with the company, Fitzgerald grew MCN – which is a Foxtel and Network Ten joint venture representing the companies’ advertising interests – into a $1.2b operation.
He will be succeeded by Mark Frain, MCN’s chief sales and marketing officer, who has also been with the company since 2003. Frain first joined the company as strategic integration manager and has since held roles including Sydney sales director and national sales director. Frain became MCN’s chief sales and marketing officer in 2015.
MCN chair Stacey Brown thanked Fitzgerald for his achievements and contribution, and welcomed Frain to the new role.
“On behalf of MCN’s shareholders, Foxtel, Fox Sports Australia and Network Ten, I’d like to thank Anthony for his contribution as CEO for the last 15 years and wish him well for the future,” Brown said.
“Mark has diverse global experience across sales, strategic planning and commercial development and is ideally suited to lead the next generation for MCN.
“He is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most respected sales executives and has the vision, expertise and leadership skills to drive MCN’s future growth as it remains at the forefront of multi-screen trading.”
Fitzgerald, who will be replaced by Frain effective immediately, said leaving MCN was “bittersweet”.
Frain will take the helm, effectively immediately
“The success of MCN to date has been the result of concerted team effort by people who love television and I know the business is in good hands for the future. Mark has the confidence, respect and trust of the industry and will be a tremendous leader. He is both a colleague and good friend and I wish him the very best,” Fitzgerald said.
Frain, who is looking forward to the new challenge, added: “I’m proud to be offered this opportunity and have absolute confidence in the MCN team and the strong future we can build together for this business.”
Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany said he respected Fitzgerald’s “enormous passion” for television and the TV advertising model.
“He has embedded a culture of innovation within the company and built a great team of committed and talented sales executives. I look forward to working more closely with Frainy as he drives continued and enhanced outcomes for MCN, Foxtel and Fox Sports and Network Ten,” Delany said.
Network Ten CEO Paul Anderson wished Fitzgerald all the best, and congratulated Frain on his appointment.
“I’d like to thank Anthony for his contribution not only to MCN but to the overall television industry. He has driven key initiatives, fostered innovation and been a genuine leader of change,” Anderson said.
“I’d also like to congratulate Mark on his new appointment. It’s a demonstration of his commitment and expertise in shaping the television landscape that sees him assume this new role.”
The CEO has left, and yet you have not reported the other 30+ staff at MCN who were only made redundant last week. Fishy. Praetorian
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A great loss for MCN and commercial TV. AF was one of the few great innovators and 21st century thinkers in an industry riddled with old school 20th century thinking.
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Fitzy as the new CEO of SBS ?
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Fitzy was certainly great, but Frainy is too – MCN is very lucky to have succession like this.
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LOL
I don’t think so, SBS gig will most likely be one of their Content Directors
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I didn’t hear of this? What department? I thought MCN couldn’t get enough staff
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Has to be more than handing over the reins. Fitzy is still young, passionate and lives and works “in the now” no dinosaur. Suggest more will come can’t see him in retirement
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I’ve reported on Fitzy for the better part of two decades. Regardless of where you stand, he changed the game. He drew money to Foxtel that would never have been there otherwise. He innovated. He constantly asked “what next”. He pissed a lot of people off in the established medium, then won them over again. He has been walking an Australian media tightrope that would make the Wallenda’s proud. Sorry I’m not a hack anymore. His is a story I would like to write.
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