Seven hires ex-10 corp director

Former Director of Corporate & Public Communications for Network 10 Neil Shoebridge (pictured left) will consult for Seven West Media, as James Warburton revamps his communications division.

Current Director Corporate Affairs and Publicity Julia Lefort will depart tomorrow after being appointed in February.

Shoebridge Knowles Media Group was founded in 2018 with former 10 colleague Andrew Knowles (pictured right) and has remained as consultants to 10. In 2012 Shoebridge was hired at 10 by then-CEO, James Warburton, from the Australian Financial Review.

When they consult for Seven SKMG will drive the network’s corporate communications and publicity strategies alongside Seven’s existing team.

SWM Managing Director and CEO, James Warburton, said: “We are delighted to announce our partnership with SKMG. Having worked closely together with Neil and Andrew over a number of years, we know that their vast experience, understanding and enthusiasm for our industry will make a big difference to our business.”

SWM Chief Marketing Officer, Charlotte Valente, said: “SKMG will play crucial role as we continue to transform our television, newspaper and digital businesses, and pursue our audience-first content-led growth strategy. Their combined strengths will ensure we establish the right structure, strategies and processes to supercharge our team and realise our transformation at pace.”

Neil Shoebridge said: “With strong and successful brands across television, publishing and digital, SWM is one of Australia’s best and smartest content companies and a business with enormous potential. We are honoured to join the SWM team and be part of the transformation of the group and its future success.”

Andrew Knowles said: “When Neil and I launched SKMG, James and Charlotte were our first clients. Between the success we’ve enjoyed with them in the past, the privilege to work with the rest of SWM’s well-regarded leadership team and the opportunity to continue building one of Australia’s most venerable media groups, this partnership just makes sense. We can’t wait to get to work.”

The change comes after hefty restructuring of Seven’s Publicity and Corporate divisions over the past 12 months, including redundancies of publicists around the country and the departure of longtime Head of Publicity Susan Wood.

Seven’s Chief Marketing Officer Charlotte Valente said of Julia Lefort, “Julia been a tremendous influence across our team and business and is to be commended for her tenacity and professionalism during her time with us.”

SKMG, which is consulting for 10 until November, will commence with Seven at a date to be advised.