Seven West Media has appointed Katie Finney to the new role of national television sales director, effective immediately.
Reporting to group managing director, Seven Television, Angus Ross, Finney will be responsible for Seven’s national television sales team.
She will work closely with Seven’s national digital sales director, Rachel Page, and with Vikki Friscic, who was appointed to the new role of head of sales strategy and enablement earlier this week.
With a new operating model splitting the company into Television, Digital, and Western Australian verticals, there has been no confirmation yet regarding sales leads for the Digital or WA divisions.
Mediaweek confirmed yesterday that Georgie Nichols, national sales director, television also resigned from Seven, leaving on her own accord. She will remain with the company until early August to assist with the transition.
Nichols began her time as Seven’s national sales director in January 2024, having previously worked as the broadcaster’s NSW sales director and Sydney sales director. She succeeded Natalie Harvey who has since been named CEO of Mamamia.
Prior to joining Seven, Nichols held roles at Dentsu, Carat, and OMD.
Ross said: “I’m very pleased to welcome Katie to her new role and look forward to working closely with her. Katie has been with Seven for more than 20 years, most recently as Director of 7RED, and her passion for Seven and television is unmatched. No one has a deeper understanding of our business or is better placed to help take us forward.
“Katie will be working closely with Rachel to ensure we deliver cross-screen synergies and audience-led solutions across the screens of Seven. Both Katie and Rachel will work hand in glove with Vikki on creating and executing the best strategies for Seven
and our clients.
“On behalf of everyone at Seven, I’d like to sincerely thank Georgie for her contribution over the past six years. She made the decision to explore new opportunities several weeks ago and will leave with our gratitude and very best wishes,” he said.
Finney said: “It’s a privilege to take on this role as we transform Seven for the future. With the best content to engage audiences at scale and an incredible sales team that leverages these audiences with strategic opportunities, we are uniquely positioned to
connect brands to consumers.
“I could not be more excited to work with our agency and client partners to drive long term, future-facing business outcomes.”
Earlier this week, SWM confirmed the departure of three of its senior executives and a new operating model.
Chief revenue officer, Kurt Burnette – who Nichols reported into – has exited the business as well as chief marketing officer, Melissa Hopkins, and head of sport and managing director of Seven Melbourne, Lewis Martin.
SWM MD and CEO, Jeff Howard said he “sincerely” thanked the trio “for their contributions to Seven, and they leave with our best wishes for the future.”