Nine makes key appointments ahead of video-on-demand service launch
Nine Entertainment has announced a number of key appointments for its new subscription video-on-demand service (SVOD), which is currently being code named “StreamCo”.
Mike Sneesby, CEO of the yet to be named SVOD service, yesterday announced the promotion of Les Sampson to the role of head of acquisitions for the project. Sampson was previously director of acquisitions for the Nine Network.
In an email to staff Sneesby said: “Les is a terrific addition to the team, bringing with him many years’ experience both at Nine and on the local and international stage, as well as the very best contacts from television and film around the globe.”
Last year Nine announced it would launch the SVOD service in 2014 and has since been quietly making a number of key appointments ahead of its launch. Among the other appointments is the hiring of Nick Forward who joined back in January from Virgin Media in the UK to head up Content at StreamCo. Alison Hurbert-Burns, ninemsn’s manager, content acquisition and digital rights has also been promoted to the role of content acquisition manager.
The shake up at Nine’s StreamCo project has also had an impact on the Nine Network with Hamish Turner, who has previously held the role of multi-channel programmer, promoted to replace Sampson. The role will see him responsible for all content acquisition for Nine, Go! and Gem.
Andrew Backwell director of nine programming and production announced the promotion of Turner yesterday. He also announced Adrian Swift, who is currently the director of development at Nine, will expand his role to director of development and digital. In this expanded position he will be in charge of the Nine’s digital content.
Nic Christensen
Les Sampson is a very talented and highly exprrienced programmer – WTF use him in a VOD service? Clearly Nine is clearing the deck chairs to move in the Perh guy for a more senior programming role……the current chief programmer better watch his back……….
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Sounds like a realistic and perpective comment; guess we’ll soon see.
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