the sudden exit of Jeff Howard<\/a> 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\u2019s first set of financial results.<\/p>\nSouthern Cross Media Group\u2019s chair Heith Mackay-Cruise informed staff in an all-office email on Friday afternoon.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver many years, Angus has made an outstanding contribution to the Seven Network, and we are sincerely grateful for his commitment and impact,\u201d Mackay-Cruise wrote.<\/p>\n
\u201cAmong 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cDr 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe thank both Angus and Trent for their dedication, passion and contribution to the company\u2019s success.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mackay-Cruise said the changes \u201care 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ross left Seven HQ in Eveleigh on Friday and headed to lunch in Sydney\u2019s eastern suburbs with colleagues and friends on what has turned out to be a very Black Friday for some at the broadcaster.<\/p>\n
Before he left Seven, Ross wrote a note to his content team and friends.<\/p>\n
The note started:<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m incredibly sad to let you all know that today will be my last day at Seven after nearly 27 years \u2013 and wow, what a ride!\u201d<\/p>\n
He then recalled some of the highs of those 27 years:<\/p>\n
Number one for 17 of the past 19 years \u2013 one of the most sustained periods of market leadership for any major television network globally, not just in Australia.
\nTwo consecutive years of Total TV growth, including growing audiences across key tentpole franchises \u2013 a result that defies international trends post Covid.
\nSecuring the content across Entertainment and Sport that has driven unprecedented digital growth on 7plus.
\nLaunching the strongest combination of multichannels, with 7mate and 7two as absolute category leaders.
\nTaking home-grown formats to the world \u2013 Border Security, MKR, House Rules and more.<\/p>\n
Ross detailed some of the work the content team have in store this year, including Glenn and Mick\u2019s Celebrity Intervention, which he described as \u201cbloody funny\u201d.<\/p>\n
He also called out some former colleagues.<\/p>\n
\u201cLegends of Seven\u2019s past who shaped my world and were very good to me \u2013 David Leckie, Bruce McWilliam, Tim Worner, Brad Lyons, John Stephens, James Warburton, Chris O\u2019Mara.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd to the legends still present \u2013 you know who you are \u2013 I will miss you all every day.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angus signed off saying he was looking forward to spending time with his family.<\/p>\n
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