Seven West Media has confirmed a major leadership reset, with long-serving television executive Angus Ross departing the business after 27 years.
The move was announced to staff via email from executive chairman Heith Mackay-Cruise on Friday morning, outlining a broader restructuring designed to bring what he described as “clarity and focus” to the organisation’s leadership.
Ross, who has served as Group Managing Director of Seven Network, will leave the business effective immediately.
Ross signs off after 27 years
Shortly after the announcement, Ross sent his own farewell message to staff, which was sighted by Mediaweek, describing his departure as the end of a remarkable run at the network.
“I’m incredibly sad to let you all know that today will be my last day at Seven after nearly 27 years – and wow, what a ride!” he wrote.
“It has been such a pleasure and a privilege to work alongside each of you. I am so proud of what we’ve achieved together – most of the time on the smell of an oily rag! Ever the underdogs.”
Ross pointed to the network’s long-running ratings success as a defining achievement of the team’s work.
“Number one for 17 of the past 19 years – one of the most sustained periods of market leadership for any major television network globally, not just in Australia.”
“Finishing 2025 with our most dominant performance ever.”
He also highlighted the role Seven’s programming strategy played in driving both broadcast and digital growth.
“Two consecutive years of Total TV growth, including growing audiences across key tentpole franchises – a result that defies international trends post Covid.”
“Securing the content across Entertainment and Sport that has driven unprecedented digital growth on 7plus.”
Ross added that Seven’s locally created formats had travelled far beyond Australia.
“Taking home-grown formats to the world – Border Security, MKR, House Rules and more.”
A programmer who shaped modern Seven
Ross has been one of the most influential programmers in Australian television, overseeing Seven’s content and scheduling strategy during a period that cemented the network’s dominance in the ratings.
In his farewell note, he encouraged staff to keep pushing for strong programming.
“All this success only happens because you genuinely care about the content. Keep fighting for it.”
He also pointed to the pipeline of shows still ahead for the network, including Glenn and Mick’s Celebrity Intervention, The 1% Club Australia, SAS: AUS v ENG, Farmer Wants A Wife, The Voice, My Kitchen Rules, Home and Away, Better Homes and Gardens and The Chase.
“Combine all that with our superb spine of News and Sport offerings, and I reckon you’ll deliver leadership for an incredible 18th time.”
Ross singled out two long-running Seven-owned formats as particular favourites.
“I know I shouldn’t have favourites, but Home and Away and MKR – two long-running Seven-owned formats with growing ratings that are seen around the world – how good are they?”
Trent Dickeson also set to depart
The leadership changes also include the upcoming departure of Trent Dickeson, who has been with the business for 13 years.
In his message to staff, Mackay-Cruise described Dickeson as widely respected for his operational leadership.
“Trent is widely respected for his deep understanding of television operations and for building a highly professional operations team.”
“During his tenure, he successfully delivered several major initiatives, including the development of new studios, offices and control rooms in Eveleigh, Melbourne and Canberra, and the establishment of our offshore team.”
New leadership appointments
As part of the restructure, two senior executives have been promoted to newly defined group roles.
Seb Rennie has been appointed Chief Commercial Officer, while Stephen Haddad becomes Chief Operating Officer.
Both will report directly to the interim CEO of Television and Audio, John Kelly.
According to Mackay-Cruise, the changes are intended to strengthen leadership accountability as the company moves through a new phase of integration and growth.
“These appointments are designed to establish stability, clarity and maximise earnings growth through our integration,” he wrote.
“I am confident that we are now supported by a highly capable and committed leadership group to navigate this next chapter for our organisation.”
A farewell – and the next chapter
Ross also used his note to thank several senior leaders who shaped his career at Seven, including David Leckie, Bruce McWilliam, Tim Worner, Brad Lyons, John Stephens, James Warburton and Chris O’Mara.
He also paid tribute to former chairman Kerry Stokes.
“A very special thanks to our former Chairman, Kerry Stokes – I’ve always appreciated his honesty and his genuine interest in the content we produce and acquire. He was a driving force behind our relentless pursuit of ratings success.”
While stepping away from the network’s day-to-day operations, Ross signalled the door remains open for whatever comes next.
“I’m looking forward to spending quality time with Jo, Emily and the dog before the next adventure.”