Business Chicks has made an inspired choice in selecting one of the best-connected women in the entertainment business world as its new chief executive.
The women’s membership group has appointed Gemma O’Neill (nee Fordham) to the role of CEO as it looks to grow its operations.
The appointment comes as news is also about to break of O’Neill’s other big move – her new talent management business Gemmie Agency.
O’Neill was most recently the head of SCA’s Hit Network. She led all content and programming nationally for the audio network, working with talent including Carrie Bickmore, Tommy Little, Fifi Box, Dave Hughes, Kate Langbroek, Ed Kavalee and Erin Molan.
O’Neill has a strong background in the entertainment business and talent management.
Across the years two of her highest-profile assignments have been working and travelling with Nicole Kidman around the world and producing Jackie Henderson’s hit breakfast program The Kyle and Jackie O Show.
Jackie O under new management
While O’Neill’s new talent management business is not yet representing Nicole Kidman, it is believed she will soon reveal that Jackie Henderson will be amongst the talent on the new agency’s books.
Henderson was previously with March Media. During a highly successful six years together, Brad March, the former Austereo CEO and content chief famously negotiated a big payday for the radio star, bringing her salary into parity with Kyle Sandilands. It made Jackie the highest-paid female media personality in Australia ever.
But back to O’Neill’s new CEO role. Business Chicks founder Emma Isaacs said in a statement: “I’ve long respected Gemma as a phenomenal operator and am excited at the prospect of innovation and possibility she now brings to the brand. Gemma has been in our orbit for some time and understands our offering and sees mammoth potential for our future.”
Business Chicks started in 2005 and has grown to include an online membership community, a print magazine and the production of more than 1500 events across Australia and the USA, attracting celebrity speakers such as Sir Richard Branson, Dr Brené Brown, Sarah Jessica Parker, Gloria Steinem, Nicole Kidman and Elizabeth Gilbert.
In her new role, O’Neill will continue the brand’s work in accessing talent and delivering events and experiences to its members, with a focus on innovation and growth across membership, events and content.
Business Chicks one of two new challenges for former radio exec Gemma O’Neill
O’Neill will oversee her new talent agency and the new Business Chicks role.
O’Neill said: “This role feels like the greatest gift to me as it combines my love of content and business strategy with supporting women. I feel deeply humbled to lead the Business Chicks team given what a huge fan I have been of both the business and Emma for many years!
“I’ve been lucky enough to experience the Business Chicks magic at many of the events and I’m excited to take the business into the next phase. I’m passionate about helping women shine professionally and personally and look forward to offering our members and community more opportunities to engage, connect and thrive.”
Isaacs added: “Business Chicks has been creating a community for women for almost two decades now but in many ways, it feels like we’re just starting. There’s a rebirth and reinvigorated enthusiasm emerging now and big things are on our horizon … watch this space!”