Why Ford Ennals’ CRA resignation shows “we will see more ‘effective immediately’ decisions”
Monday’s announcement that Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) CEO Ford Ennals has stepped down “effectively immediately” could be a sign of things to come.
On Monday afternoon, the industry body issued a statement announcing Ennals’ departure after a two-year tenure.
Ennals said of his time as CEO: “I’ve had the privilege to successfully guide the CRA through a key period of transition. I extend my gratitude to the CRA team and our members. I am confident that the commercial radio and audio sector is well-positioned for future growth and success.”
According to Mumbrella publisher Adam Lang, this news, along with ongoing rumours that Seven Network CEO James Warburton could leave his position at the end of this week, suggests that structural and cyclical changes are having a greater impact on all industries.
“It struck me that ‘effective immediately’ is exceptional and probably a greater requirement for a faster-moving time.,” Lang, who also previously worked as CEO at Macquarie Media, said.
“Digitisation, including artificial intelligence, is a catalyst for structural change in most industries around the world. The global economic cycle post-COVID lockdowns are driving cyclical change through higher inflation and interest rates. The combination brings a quickening of challenges, including the industries of marketing and media that Mumbrella seeks to serve.
“For many of us, that is a different kind of pressure. Game day will be more like the everyday.
“’Effective immediately’ gives certainty more quickly, which can be good. I believe we will see more ‘effective immediately’ decisions, including leadership change at Seven West Media, the prospective merger of ARN and SCA, and others.”
While Seven West Media are expected to host a board meeting this Thursday, Southern Cross Austereo are again weighing up a revised offer from ARN’s proposed takeover.
Mumbrella has contacted CRA for further comment regarding Ennals’ departure.
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Ford has left many roles immediately – and his online profile has been given a deep clean. There should have been more due diligence before he was appointed. There is a big story from the UK from BA, Lloyds TSB and many other short tenure employers.
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