Seven announces restructure, warns of ‘tough decisions’ to come
Seven has announced a restructure to eliminate duplication and simplify its operating model and leadership structure with a focus on eight key divisions.
The change will “transform the business into a leaner and more agile company” with the introduction of a new chief content officer, a new chief marketing officer and a new chief digital officer put in place, all reporting into CEO James Warburton.
Seven’s new structure (Click to enlarge)
The change is said to help Seven with its new content-led growth strategy and follows the appointment of Warburton as CEO in July after long-time Seven boss Tim Worner left the business. Warburton entered just days before the company presented its annual reporting which saw it take a $444.4m loss.
Speaking to Mumbrella after the results, Warburton admitted the media business skews too old with its audiences and revealed a plan to revitalise the content produced to target a younger audience.
Warburton has been rumoured to have planned a restructure for Seven from since his appointment in July
Regarding the restructure, Warburton said:”With the new organisational structure, we have focussed on simplifying the SWM [Seven West Media] organisation to enable our content-led growth strategy. This new flatter structure will cement our position as Australia’s leading media group with content at the heart of the business, digital growth maximised, duplication of roles removed in all areas and operating efficiencies implemented.
“We have had to make some tough decisions in order to build the network for the future. I take very seriously any decision that impacts our people and I am grateful for the loyalty and commitment shown by our team over many years. Anyone impacted by changes will have dedicated support and respect throughout the process of transition”.
It hasn’t yet been confirmed who will face the axe in the restructure, but in a note to staff, Warburton noted some staff would be leaving the business today.
“I take very seriously any decisions that impact our people and I am grateful for the loyalty and commitment shown by our teams over many years,” he said.
Warburton has already dispatched of head of sport Saul Shtein. Head of corporate affairs Stephen Browning also announced his departure from Seven, although it’s understood that is unrelated to the restructure.
Hi team,
Interesting. Maybe some top down restructure will help or maybe they could get MoJo in:)
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Why don’t their sales teams sell across both digital and mags?
Surely there would be a lot of deadwood over in the Pac Mags sector?
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This is so overdue. Good on you James.
As a CMO dealing with Seven is a nightmare and means we don’t spend – layers, old school and no proactive nature on the commercial side.
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FTA business model is a dinosaur now. As all networks have gone to a streaming system where you can watch any show anytime and even live news, so there is no need for expensive transmitters and associated staff inhouse and rentals to TXA. I give it 3 years or less.
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Brisbane sales team sell tv, digital and pac (have done for 3 years) so potential to ripple through the rest of the markets
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Brissy getting it done!
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Watched free-to-air TV for the first time in years on Saturday, thanks to the Grand Final. The TV was turned down but left on after the game, while we were all chatting. Every so often I looked over to the TV to see what was going on.
Seemed like every 5 minutes there was an ad break for a reality show, only to come back to Border Force which had about 10 minutes of actual content spread over 30.
People don’t watch FTA for a very simple reason – other platforms offer excellent content without ads that can be watched when the viewer wants.
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