Angus Ross, group managing director of Seven TV, and chief operating officer Trent Dickeson have both left Southern Cross Austereo, the latest in a series of personnel changes that have favoured former SCA staff over Seven staff since the two merged in January.

Seb Rennie has been appointed as the merged entity’s chief commercial officer, while Stephen Haddad will be chief operating officer.

Rennie joined SCA in February 2023 as Listnr’s executive head of commercial before becoming the audio network’s chief commercial officer that May, replacing Brian Gallagher, who later joined Nine Radio.

Stephen Haddad was made SCA’s chief operating officer in June 2025, where he was in charge of overseeing the Listnr platform.

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The departures follows the sudden exit of Jeff Howard last month, who was briefly the CEO and managing director of the newly merged Southern Cross Austereo and Seven West Media. Howard left the night before he was due to deliver the group’s first set of financial results.

Southern Cross Media Group’s chair Heith Mackay-Cruise informed staff in an all-office email on Friday afternoon.

“Over many years, Angus has made an outstanding contribution to the Seven Network, and we are sincerely grateful for his commitment and impact,” Mackay-Cruise wrote.

“Among many achievements, perhaps most notably, Angus and his team have led the Seven Network to a #1 position in 17 of the last 19 years. He leaves the business and the broader network content team in incredibly solid shape.

“Dr Trent Dickeson, COO, will also be leaving the business in the coming period after an impactful 13 years. Trent is widely respected for his deep understanding of television operations and for building a highly professional operations team. During his tenure, he successfully delivered several major initiatives, including the development of new studios, offices and control rooms in Eveleigh, Melbourne and Canberra, and the establishment of our offshore team.

“We thank both Angus and Trent for their dedication, passion and contribution to the company’s success.”

Mackay-Cruise said the changes “are designed to establish stability, clarity and maximise earnings growth through our integration, and I am confident that we are now supported by a highly capable and committed leadership group to navigate this next chapter for our organisation.”

Ross left Seven HQ in Eveleigh on Friday and headed to lunch in Sydney’s eastern suburbs with colleagues and friends on what has turned out to be a very Black Friday for some at the broadcaster.

Before he left Seven, Ross wrote a note to his content team and friends.

The note started:

“I’m incredibly sad to let you all know that today will be my last day at Seven after nearly 27 years – and wow, what a ride!”

He then recalled some of the highs of those 27 years:

Number one for 17 of the past 19 years – one of the most sustained periods of market leadership for any major television network globally, not just in Australia.
Two consecutive years of Total TV growth, including growing audiences across key tentpole franchises – a result that defies international trends post Covid.
Securing the content across Entertainment and Sport that has driven unprecedented digital growth on 7plus.
Launching the strongest combination of multichannels, with 7mate and 7two as absolute category leaders.
Taking home-grown formats to the world – Border Security, MKR, House Rules and more.

Ross detailed some of the work the content team have in store this year, including Glenn and Mick’s Celebrity Intervention, which he described as “bloody funny”.

He also called out some former colleagues.

“Legends of Seven’s past who shaped my world and were very good to me – David Leckie, Bruce McWilliam, Tim Worner, Brad Lyons, John Stephens, James Warburton, Chris O’Mara.

“And to the legends still present – you know who you are – I will miss you all every day.”

Angus signed off saying he was looking forward to spending time with his family.