THE CEO of streaming service STAN steps up to lead the company forward
Nine Entertainment has today announced Mike Sneesby as its new CEO, replacing Hugh Marks. He will take up the position on 1 April 2021.
NEC Chairman Peter Costello said:
“The board and I have every confidence that, under Mike’s leadership, Nine will be able to maintain the significant momentum it has built. Mike is well placed to continue to drive Nine’s transformation as a digitally led business which is actively adapting to meet the contemporary media consumption habits of Australians.
The appointment comes at a time when Nine’s own papers report there are tensions within the board and an investigation over the alleged misuse of funds by Deputy Chairman Nick Falloon.
In a media conference held this morning to announce Sneesby as the new CEO, divisions within the board was a claim Chairman Peter Costello denied.
Sneesby has been one to watch throughout the recruitment process thanks to the success of streaming service STAN.
A traditional broadcast television faces its biggest challenge to stay relevant… and alive, Sneesby has been able to evolve STAN to one of the biggest streamers in the Australian market.
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As content deals shift, STAN has now moved towards sporting rights and is aiming to be making 30 local productions a year, within 5 years.
Mr Sneesby said:
“I am honored to be entrusted with this important role, to be the custodian for many of Australia’s most important, valuable and iconic media brands. I have worked alongside my colleagues at Nine for many years and I look forwarding to building our future together as we embrace the opportunities presented in the emerging and growing digital future. The Nine family is made up of journalists, technicians, producers and so many dedicated to their craft, it will be the honor of a lifetime to lead them.”
Mr Marks will finish his term as Chief Executive Officer on 31 March 2021 and will remain available to assist with a handover to Mr Sneesby in the following months.