Mediaweek’s Media Movers charts the biggest people moves in the industry over the past week.
‘Burn the place down’: Kyle Sandilands contract terminated by ARN
Kyle Sandilands has publicly rejected ARN Media’s decision to terminate his long-term contract, describing the move as invalid and confirming legal action is now underway.
In a statement released after ARN announced the termination on Wednesday morning, Sandilands said he did not accept the network’s position and claimed his legal team had already warned ARN the move would not stand.
Rod Prosser to exit Paramount ANZ after 15 years
Rod Prosser will step down as chief sales officer at Paramount Australia and New Zealand, with the business confirming today that he will leave at the end of April.
Prosser has spent 15 years with the company, where he played a central role in shaping the group’s cross-platform sales strategy across Network 10 and Paramount+.
Prosser’s responsibilities will transition to Grant Madigan, who has been appointed vice president, sales.
AFI, AACTA confirms CEO Damian Trewhella exit. Or have they?
The Australian Film Institute, the governing body behind the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts, has confirmed that chief executive officer Damian Trewhella will leave the organisation.
The announcement was made on Thursday, with AFI chair Jack Christian acknowledging Trewhella’s contribution to the organisation and its role in championing Australian screen excellence.
Dentsu ANZ appoints Danica Bellchambers as chief data officer
Dentsu has appointed Danica Bellchambers to a newly created chief data and technology officer role.
Bellchambers will commence on 11 May and join Dentsu ANZ’s executive leadership team, with the role bringing together data, technology and AI as a horizontal capability across its media, creative and experience practices.
Special adds Maddie Marovino as national head of social
Special has appointed Maddie Marovino to the newly created role of national head of social.
In the new role, Marovino will lead Special’s social capability nationally, focusing on culturally relevant ideas and content designed to help brands appear more meaningfully across fast-moving social environments.
BBC expected to name Matt Brittin as director general this week
Matt Brittin is expected to be named as the BBC’s next director general within days, with the broadcaster’s board set to meet on Thursday to make a decision.
The appointment will replace the BBC’s outgoing leader, Tim Davie.
Screen Australia appoints new Narrative Content Head
Screen Australia has announced the appointment of Tanya Phegan as Narrative Content Head of Development.
“With over 25 years of experience in roles across BBC Films, Guesswork Television, Universal Pictures, DNA Films/Fox Searchlight, Easy Tiger and Porchlight Films, Phegan will lead Screen Australia’s Investment Manager team for Narrative Content Development.
Contentful opens Australian subsidiary, appoints Sam Hoare to lead
Contentful has established a formal Australian presence, launching a local subsidiary and expanding operations across Australia and New Zealand as demand for enterprise digital experience platforms grows.
The move includes the appointment of Sam Hoare, area vice president for ANZ at Contentful, who will lead regional strategy, customer engagement and growth.
Edge Marketing expands team with hires and promotions
Edge Marketing has announced a series of hires and promotions as the independent agency builds out its paid media, client service and creative capabilities.
The Gold Coast-based business has appointed Tika Hasborth as senior paid media strategist, Jasmine Defty as digital account manager, and Victoria Hutchinson in a graphic design role. It has also promoted Sushmita Sharma to senior account manager and Jayd Ozolins to senior project manager.