Seven announces major sports head roles following Lewis Martin departure
Seven West Media has announced a number of major sporting appointments, including the newly-announced director of network sport position.
Only days after announcing the redundancy of Melbourne’s head of sport and managing director, Lewis Martin, the media juggernaut confirmed that previous executive producer of its cricket coverage, Chris Jones, will take on the new position.
In his new role, effective immediately, Jones will report to Seven’s chief content officer, Brook Hall.
Jones joined Seven in 2000 as a junior reporter and following stints at Nine Network and Thrive PR, he returned to Seven as a senior sport producer in 2009, before taking on the executive producer role in 2018.
Meanwhile on Monday it was also confirmed that Seven’s AFL executive producer, Gary O’Keeffe, has been promoted to the new role of head of AFL and sport innovation; horse racing executive producer, Andrew Hore-Lacy, has been named head of horse racing; motor sport executive producer, Kirsty Bradmore becomes head of sport digital and cricket and horse racing producer, Joel Starcevic, has been appointed head of cricket.
“Sport is part of Seven’s DNA and a key reason why we are the most-watched television and digital network. We have a long and proud history of bringing the best local and international sport to all Australians for free. That continues today, with the AFL, the AFLW, the Brownlow Medal, Test cricket, the BBL, the WBBL, horse racing, Supercars, surfing, the NFL, golf, netball, hockey and much, much more,” Hall said in a statement.
“Chris has been an integral part of our sport team for many years, producing some amazing moments and iconic content. I can’t think of anyone better to lead our sport coverage.”
Jones will head the team of O’Keeffe, Hore-Lacy, Bradmore and Starcevic, as well as executive producer, Motor Sport, Angela Rampal, head of sport production, Greg Smith, and head of sport production management, Lisa Peach.
Chris Jones
“We have assembled a trusted and energetic leadership team who love their sport and will continue to innovate,” Jones said.
“I feel privileged to have worked with and learnt from some of the best in the business and now alongside our entire 7SPORT team, I can’t wait to evolve our coverage.
“We are on the eve of an exciting new era here at Seven with the addition of digital rights for both footy and cricket. This means every single Australian will have access to live and free coverage via 7plus and broadcast. Can’t wait to get stuck in.”
Last week, Seven announced a “new operating model” under three divisions – television, digital and Western Australia – “designed to deliver on the strategy that includes optimising its television business and delivering on the digital future”.
As part of the changes, Seven said that “a number of redundancies and other cost actions are being taken” on the back of up to 150 jobs reportedly cut, which included Martin, as well as chief marketing officer, Melissa Hopkins, and chief revenue officer, Kurt Burnette.
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