Mediaweek’s Media Movers charts the biggest people moves in the industry over the past week.
Nine digital leader Alexander Needs to depart after 24 years
After more than two decades helping shape the evolution of Australia’s broadcast and digital news landscape, senior media executive Alexander Needs has announced he will depart Nine Entertainment after 24 years.
Needs confirmed the news in a LinkedIn post, revealing next Friday will mark his final day at the network following a career that has spanned magazine publishing, live television and the transformation of Nine’s digital video and social operations.
M&C Saatchi CEO Zaid Al-Qassab dips out without a goodbye note
M&C Saatchi chief executive officer Zaid Al-Qassab will step down at the end of March, less than two years after taking the top role at the global advertising group.
Al-Qassab joined the group in 2024 after previously serving as chief marketing officer at Channel 4, replacing co-founder Moray MacLennan, who stepped down in September 2024.
Thrive pulls ex-DDB Worldwide chairman Marty O’Halloran in as strategic adviser
Marty O’Halloran has joined Thrive PR and Communications in its first executive advisory appointment across Australia and New Zealand.
The move places one of global advertising’s most senior former network leaders in an advisory role as Thrive expands its multi-market, multi-service ambitions.
Dentsu promotes Emily Cook to Queensland managing director
Dentsu has promoted Emily Cook to Managing Director of Queensland, following Chris Ernst’s earlier move into the role of Chief Practice Officer.
Cook takes on the role after serving as General Manager of dentsu Queensland, where she helped oversee growth and the simplification of the agency’s offer under the unified dentsu brand.
MFA names Aimee Buchanan chair and Imogen Hewitt deputy chair
Two of Australia’s most senior media agency leaders have been appointed to steer the strategic direction of the country’s peak media body, as the Media Federation of Australia reshapes its leadership for the next phase of industry change.
The Media Federation of Australia (MFA) has appointed Aimee Buchanan, CEO of WPP Media ANZ, as Chair, and Imogen Hewitt, CEO of Spark Foundry ANZ and Chief Media Officer at Publicis Groupe, as Deputy Chair.
Nova Podcasts signs Two Broke Chicks in play for young female audiences
NOVA Entertainment has added one of Australia’s most popular female-led podcasts to its growing audio slate, with Two Broke Chicks joining the Nova Podcasts network as the company sharpens its appeal to young female audiences and commercial partners.
Created and hosted by journalists and best friends Sally McMullen and Alexandra Hourigan, the podcast has built a sizeable community by blending humour, lived experience and practical advice across careers, money, identity and relationships.
The Media Store creates investment director role for Brady Lyon
The Media Store has appointed Brady Lyon as investment director, a new senior role focused on buying strategy, revenue management and partner growth.
Lyon joins as the independent agency continues to expand senior capability across planning and investment.
Analytic Partners adds Andy Ford to newly created senior APAC role
Analytic Partners has expanded its Asia-Pacific leadership team by appointing former Meta and Coles 360 analytics executive Andy Ford to a newly created associate vice president role.
The appointment is part of the company’s continued expansion across Australia and the broader APAC region, where brands are increasing investment in commercial analytics and measurement tools to manage fragmented media environments.
Nova promotes Sarah Cohen to Commercial Director – Sydney
NOVA Entertainment has promoted Sarah Cohen to the newly created role of Commercial Director – Sydney, expanding her remit across the network’s largest advertising market as the company continues to reshape its commercial leadership structure.
The role broadens Cohen’s responsibilities to include Sydney’s agency client base, in addition to independent agencies and direct clients, giving NOVA a single senior commercial leader overseeing the entire market.
Jamie Durie reveals surprising new move
Jamie Durie has joined LeadStory as part of the platform’s global talent roster, in a move designed to expand its premium lifestyle and sustainability content offering.
The designer, environmental advocate and media personality will develop and present original programming focused on environmental innovation, sustainable living, architecture and design for audiences across LeadStory’s global distribution network.
Laura Maxwell champions the commercial power of journalism
Speaking from the Gold Coast, recently appointed new chair for ThinkNewsBrands and News Corp Australia state managing director for Queensland, Laura Maxwell, might have surfers catching waves outside her window. But her focus remains strictly on the high-stakes business of Australian journalism.
“My passion for journalism and for news, why we exist, why it’s important, has never been stronger,” Maxwell said.
“Chairing ThinkNewsBrands, which really is a champion for journalism, is an absolute privilege. But also I see it as incredibly important.”