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Jeffrey Browne quits as Nine managing director

Jeffrey Browne has resigned as Managing Director of Nine after seven years with the network.

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2013-04-18_0115Jeffrey Browne has resigned as Managing Director of the Nine Network.

Browne has been with Nine for seven years, appointed as Managing Director in November 2010, following previous positions running GTV9 and as an Executive Director.

“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,” CEO David 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.

“And while Jeff will leave us as Managing Director from August 1, the good news is he’s agreed to take up a new part-time role Executive Director – Commercial, of Nine Entertainment Co working with me, so his skills, enthusiasm and deft hand are happily not lost to us.”

David Gyngell noted that Browne had played a major role in securing new agreements on the National Rugby League, Cricket and WIN – including the purchase of NWS Adelaide.

In April he stood down as Chair of Free TV Australia following internal rumblings.

In a statement today, Browne said the time was right to take up new business challenges.

“I am gratified I’ve made this decision when Nine is in such a strong position – not only through the re-signing of the crucial sporting rights and related deals, but when our programming is performing better than at any other time since I began here,” he said.

“I am also exceptionally proud of the winning culture we have built together and I am confident there are great things ahead for the Network. So it’s terrific that I am able to stay in contact with the outstanding team at Nine through this new role which allows me to keep a foot inside the tent.

“I have many people to thank for their great support, professionalism and friendship but first amongst equals is David Gyngell, who deserves my special thanks. He is and has always been a motivating spirit, a true friend and a person for whom I have the utmost respect and admiration. Nine could not be in better hands.”

All of Browne’s direct reports will now report to Nine CEO David Gyngell.

4 Responses

  1. news-com-au is reporting that Browne’s departure is ‘probably’ a prelude to Nine being listed on the ASX. Whoooooaaaa Nellie.

    Months ago when Nine was buried in debt and facing almost certain extinction it’s creditors agreed to swap debt for equity and thus Nine was ‘saved’. It would appear that those major share/debtholders now want their money back and the best way to do that is to offload their shares.

    What has changed in that time? Has Nine become more stable? Have ratings improved markedly? Has ad revenue experienced a positive turnaround?

    I’m starting to think that the phrases “Nine shares” and “ten foot pole” belong in the same sentence.

  2. As the cracks start appearing in Seven’s sked Nine will greatly benefit from David Gyngell re-focussing his attention on Nine’s content commissioning. There is much more they can do to add certainty and stickability to their programming line-up – particularly in local drama and entertainment.

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