Vic Buchan has walked out the door at Nine. As often is the case with sudden departures of executives, there are different takes on her departure. Her role was director of communications and public relations at Nine Entertainment Co.
Acting chief executive officer Matt Stanton put it most diplomatically to staff today, claiming “[we] agreed terms for her to leave the business as we go about restructuring”.
Other places not so much. 7News reported Buchan was made redundant, while it initially reported Buchan was sacked. News Corp newspapers also pointed out Buchan was made redundant.
7News reported Buchan sent a note out to an undisclosed list of recipients at 11am on Monday.
“Thanks so much for all the great times. While this year has been more challenging than most, I’ve enjoyed the ride since joining Nine back in 2010,” Buchan wrote.
“We’ve come a long way since those days. I’m looking forward to some family time over the summer and then getting stuck back into some projects or opportunities to work in the industry I love and know so well. As you know, my work has been a passion for me, and that’s not going to change.
“I will continue to watch, read and listen to all you do and be cheering from the sideline. I can’t wait to reboot and look for great projects and most importantly, great people to work with. It’s been a privilege.”
In a note to staff from Matt Stanton, the fill-in boss wrote:
“Today Vic and I have agreed terms for her to leave the business as we go about restructuring the corporate roles to create a much-needed regulatory specialist lead for the business.”
“Since joining us nearly 15 years ago, Vic has made a significant contribution at all the key points of Nine’s evolution into Australia’s media company.
“From working alongside David Gyngell as they restructured from private equity, side-by-side with Hugh Marks and the team through the successful merger with Fairfax and more recently with Mike (Sneesby), Vic has launched countless TV and radio shows, worked on landmark legal cases and some of Australia’s biggest events and provided communications support for the executive team, talent and programs however and whenever it was needed.”
The move to replace Buchan comes not long before the release of the company report into workplace culture at Nine ordered by previous CEO Mike Sneesby. Buchan has told 7News the upcoming report into the culture at Nine played no role in her departure.