Peter Costello.
David Haslingden will step down as chairman and non-executive director at Nine Entertainment Company and be replaced by Peter Costello, currently an independent, non-executive director.
Haslingden joined the Board in February 2013, and oversaw the group's public market float.
“I pay tribute to David for the leadership he has given the Company since 2013", Costello said.
"His experience and understanding of the industry and commitment to NEC have been invaluable throughout this period. The company is in an extremely strong financial position".
"I am delighted to take over the role of Chairman. This is an exciting time of change in the media sector and NEC is now strongly positioned to take advantage of these developments”.
In a statement, Haslingden said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my 3 years on the NEC Board".
"The company has achieved a lot in that short time: going public, consolidating into a 5 cap city network, renewing key cricket and NRL franchises, disposing of Nine Live, launching Stan and 9Now and transitioning to a balanced share register of leading Australian and International funds managers".
"It’s been a busy time for my own company as well, which has now expanded from its base in New Zealand to have operations in the US, Latin America, China, SE Asia and Australia and a full time staff of over 250. The time is right for me to move on from NEC, leaving the Company with a new Chief Executive and a best-in-sector balance sheet; a modern content business ideally placed to embark upon the challenges of the next phase of sector evolution”.
NEC also announced the appointment of Elizabeth Gaines as a non-executive independent director.
Most recently Gaines has been CEO, and previously CFO/COO, of ASX-listed Helloworld.
Gaines is currently a non-executive director of Fortescue Metals Group Limited and Next DC Limited, and a commissioner of Tourism Western Australia. She is also a Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, Australian Institute of Company Directors and Chief Executive Women.
“We are delighted to welcome Elizabeth to the NEC Board", Costello said.
"She has extensive experience across a variety of consumer-facing industry sectors. Her deep financial background will prove complementary to the current Board. I look forward to working with her, as do all of our other Board members”.
Gaines said: “I am excited about joining the Nine Entertainment Co. Board. Media is currently at a very interesting and dynamic time in its evolution and I look forward to contributing to the Company’s future success”.