Jeffrey Browne’s departure as the Nine Network’s managing director on August 1 marks the end of a hectic deal-making phase at the company in which he played a key role.
It was Browne’s decision to step down but his role won’t be filled as Nine Entertainment Co. CEO David Gyngell will take direct oversight of the network.
The executive, who had run the network for seven years, will retain his ties in a new part-time role as Executive Director – Commercial, of Nine Entertainment.
Browne closed the deals to purchase the Adelaide and Perth stations from Bruce Gordon’s WIN Corp. and the rights to telecast the National Rugby League and Australian Test cricket and one-day internationals.
“He’s happy. He has.been contemplating (stepping down) for some months and it was his call,” a network insider told IF.
Gyngell‘s workload has lightened since Nine Entertainment sold ACP magazines to Germany’s Bauer. Some of Browne’s duties will be picked up by other senior executives, but primarily by Gyngell. All the execs who reported to Browne will now report to Gyngell.
“The time is right for him and he departs the role with Nine in fantastic shape,” Gyngell said. “I’ll miss him not only as a robust and talented Managing Director, but the best deal closer in the business, a friend and simply a terrific bloke. He leaves us in a much stronger position than when he came on board, which is a fitting tribute.”
Browne said he believes it’s the right time to move on and take up different business challenges. “I am gratified I’ve made this decision when Nine is in such a strong position – not only through the re-signing of the crucial sporting rights and related deals, but when our programming is performing better than at any other time since I began here” he said.