Mediaweek’s Media Movers charts the biggest people moves in the industry over the past week.
Matt Stanton
Nine has officially named Matt Stanton as chief executive officer, solidifying his leadership after serving as acting CEO since late last year.
The appointment, announced to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) today, marks a strategic step in Nine’s ongoing transformation as it navigates industry challenges and opportunities.
Are Media has appointed Anna Quinn as its new director of sales, strengthening its leadership team as the company continues its transformation into a true omnichannel media powerhouse. Quinn will take on the role from 17 March, reporting directly to Are Media CEO Jane Huxley.
In her new position, Quinn will oversee advertising sales, creative and commercial strategy, affiliate sales, and operations for Australia’s largest and most influential women’s media business. She will also be part of Are Media’s executive leadership team.
Rugby league journalist Paul Kent has launched his own independent podcast venture, capitalising on his established voice and aiming to fill what he perceives as a “hole in the market.”
This move follows a period of heightened media attention, including reports of an incident at a Sydney pub, where he was allegedly served 21 schooners. Now, Kent is channeling that notoriety into a new platform, seeking to connect directly with his audience and generate revenue.
Weare8 has shut down its Australian operations and laid off its local staff two years after launching down under. The platform will be centralising its marketing functions into its London HQ as momentum for the platform continues in the UK, Europe, and the US.
Weare8’s business and app will continue to provide value and support to its Australian brand clients, agencies, communities, publishers, impact partners and Citizens.
Former Today Show presenter Alex Cullen has taken to Instagram to share an update on his next hosting gig after being axed by Nine following revelations he accepted a $50,000 gift from The Block millionaire Adrian Portelli.
Cullen shared a photo of himself with his arm draped over the shoulders of Penrith Panthers’ coach Ivan Cleary with the accompanying caption: “Great to host the @penrithpanthers corporate partners meet and greet tonight. Thanks for having me and always good to see super coach Ivan Cleary.” #nrl @pantherspenrithleaguesclub #nrl #penrithpanthers”.
Switzer Media & Publishing has announced that Jillian Davison is stepping down as Editor-in-Chief of Harper’s BAZAAR Australia/New Zealand after nearly four years at the helm.
Since taking on the role, Davison has played a pivotal role in redefining Harper’s BAZAAR Australia’s creative vision, cementing its reputation for modern luxury and innovative storytelling.
Former chief revenue officer of Seven West Media, Kurt Burnette, has announced his new position as content consultant at Cre8tive AI. With a 30-year tenure in the media industry, Burnette brings a wealth of experience in creating, consuming, and monetising premium video content across entertainment, news, and sports.
Throughout his career, Burnette said he’s been driven by a passion for technology and innovation, particularly the transformative role these elements play in reshaping the media landscape. “AI and its all-encompassing game-changing capabilities are at the heart of it all,” he wrote in a recent LinkedIn post.
Seb Costello has announced his departure from the Nine Network after 13 years with the broadcaster. Costello’s departure follows an internal review initiated by the broadcaster into an incident where Costello pursued an interview subject into a women’s public restroom.
In a statement Costello said: “After more than a decade at Nine, I have resigned from my role to seek a fresh challenge. I would like to thank Nine and wish the team all the best.”
A Nine spokesperson told Mediaweek, “Nine confirms that Seb Costello has resigned his employment. We wish him all the best.”
Independent digital marketing consultancy Orange Line has announced key leadership promotions and new hires as it continues its expansion. Aishling Farrell has been promoted to executive general manager, recognising her seven-year tenure and key role in leading major accounts while shaping Orange Line’s strategic direction.
Gavin Chew has been appointed general manager, operations, a newly created role designed to support the agency’s rapid growth. Previously head of media, his seven-year tenure at Orange Line sets him up to streamline operations, drive efficiencies and ensure the team has the tools and support to continue delivering exceptional client growth.
Alberto Sanchez has been promoted from paid media senior director to head of media, where he will lead a team of over 20 specialists overseeing key accounts such as Fantastic Furniture and Abano Healthcare. The paid media team has also expanded with a series of strategic promotions and new hires, further strengthening its expertise and capacity to drive performance across key client accounts.
Fifi Box, Brendan Fevola and Nick Cody
The Fox’s Fifi, Fev & Nick hit a programming shake-up this morning as Brendan ‘Fev’ Fevola announced his temporary departure from the Melbourne breakfast show.
Fevola is stepping away for an indefinite period to film The Amazing Race for Ten, embarking on a high-profile father-daughter adventure with his 18-year-old daughter, Leni.
As Fevola takes off, The Hit Network is tapping into its talent bench, bringing in Jules Lund as a guest co-host alongside Fifi Box and Nick Cody. The move not only fills the gap but also reunites Box and Lund – who previously co-hosted the popular Fifi & Jules national Drive show – rekindling a dynamic that helped define the network’s programming strategy over a decade ago.
Bare Feat founder Chloe Hooper has teamed up with oOh!media and ACAST to launch a new podcast, The Limitless Equation, that aims to tackle self doubt.
The podcast is a year-long investigation and celebration of women, designed to help them unlearn their limits in business through investing in self-belief. The podcast features high-profile female leaders across media, marketing, and the creative industries who share their personal journeys, lessons, and unique superpowers.
The podcast is inspired by Hooper’s personal experience, despite being an entrepreneur and coach helping people to do what scares them most, she realised she needed to confront the issue her lack of self-belief was having on her.
Geoff and Brad TEG
TEG has announced a leadership change, naming long-time CEO Geoff Jones as chairman and appointing Brad Banducci as the company’s new chief executive officer.
Jones transitions to the chairman role after a 14-year tenure as CEO, during which he spearheaded TEG’s transformation from a ticketing operation into a global powerhouse in live entertainment, ticketing, digital, and data. Under his leadership, Ticketek evolved into TEG, now an integrated network of more than 30 businesses worldwide.
Nunn Media, Australia’s largest independent media agency, has strengthened its strategic and planning capabilities in Sydney with the appointment of Michelle Miroforidis as head of strategy and Elise Dearden as planning director.
5D has announced the appointment of Andrew Slot as managing director, Melbourne, as part of its strategic growth initiative. The company, specialising in “Science of Choice” driven consumer insights, aims to bolster its presence in Victoria and broaden its reach across the APAC region.
This move aligns with 5D’s objective to strengthen its global capabilities in consumer insights, growth strategies, and marketing effectiveness.
Bearded Kitten has appointed Vinny Panchal as managing partner to strengthen the company’s Australian operations.
Panchal brings over a decade of experience at Jack Morton Worldwide and a proven track record across leading global agencies including Weber Shandwick to the global creative experience agency.
Back row L-R Nina East, Rob Liversage, Peta Lange, Richard Brett, Rachel Stanton Front row L-R Mike Lane, Ben Hickey, Katie Panteli, David Bailey
Ogilvy Health Australia has appointed Ben Hickey in the newly-created role of head of consumer health to lead the agency’s expanded and diversified consumer health offering.
Hickey has been refining the agency’s diversified offering, which will officially launch this month. This includes the Australian rollout of Health Influence; a global capability, tailored locally, that provides pharmaceutical, healthcare and wellness brands access to the burgeoning influence economy.
After a decade-long career in journalism and marketing, former Are Media lifestyle director and journalist Gabriella Del Grande has launched her PR and copywriting agency, Grande Creative.
Having transitioned into marketing and copywriting in 2022, Del Grande spent the past few years freelancing alongside a full-time marketing role.
Sparro by Brainlabs has appointed Emily Searle has been appointed as planning director. Searle joins the independent digital marketing agency with nearly 25 years of experience in media and publishing.
She will work closely with media and growth lead, Gino Hadiutomo, and managing partner, Sarah Davidson, to lead the direction of media planning in the business. Davidson was promoted to managing partner in November 2024 after a year in the 120-person agency group, including creative agency, Jack Nimble.