After three years at the helm of Nine’s audio sales division, Ashley Earnshaw is stepping down from his role as Director of Sales – Total Audio.
The announcement, confirmed today by Nine, signals the end of a chapter marked by digital evolution, structural change and sustained commercial momentum in the company’s audio portfolio.
Earnshaw, a key figure within Nine’s commercial leadership since 2021, will remain with the business until the end of June to ensure a smooth handover and assist in the transition to a new operational framework.
A tenure marked by transformation
During his time with Nine, Earnshaw helped steer the Total Audio team through a dynamic phase of growth and repositioning.
His leadership coincided with a period of rapid digitisation across the audio sector, an industry-wide shift that demanded a fresh commercial approach and stronger cross-platform integration.
“My time at Nine has been a truly valuable experience, and I’m incredibly proud of what the Total Audio team has accomplished as the audio landscape has continued its rapid digital transformation,” Earnshaw said in a statement.
“After careful consideration, I’ve decided the time is right to pursue new professional opportunities.”
While he acknowledged the difficulty of leaving a business “primed for growth,” Earnshaw also spoke to the excitement of exploring new avenues where he can apply his skills and experience to deliver further value.
“I’m fully committed to ensuring a smooth and effective handover and will be working closely with the team in the coming months as they transition to the new operational framework,” he added.
Tom Malone, Managing Director of Nine Radio
Praise for steady leadership
Earnshaw’s departure has been met with appreciation from within Nine’s executive team, particularly from those who’ve worked closely with him on the business’s evolving audio strategy.
Tom Malone, Managing Director of Nine Radio, acknowledged the strength and consistency of Earnshaw’s leadership during what he described as a “time of considerable change.”
“Ash has provided steady and effective leadership to our Total Audio sales division,” Malone said. “His dedication to the business and his team has been clear, and we appreciate his commitment to supporting a seamless transition to a new structure.”
Earnshaw will remain on board until the end of June, working closely with the team as it transitions to a refreshed operational model. Nine confirmed that the process of selecting his successor is already underway, with further details to be shared in due course.
The announcement comes off the back of the release of the company’s latest trading update, in which it flagged a more cautious financial outlook for the remainder of FY25, with softness in its radio division and a cooling ad market offsetting gains in TV and streaming.