TEN Exec Chairman and CEO Hamish McLennan quits; Paul Anderson promoted to CEO role

Australia: After 2 1/2 years in the role, Ten Network Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Hamish McLennan (pictured) has stepped down from both roles. 

As a result Non Executive Director David Gordon has been appointed Chairman and Paul Anderson has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, of the Australian commercial television network effective today.

McLennan joined TEN in February 2013 (replacing James Warburton) from his New York based role as executive VP, Office of the chairman, News Corporation. Before that he was the global CEO of Y&R.

Gordon has been a Director of Ten since April 2010 and, as a member of the Independent Board Committee, has been closely involved with the strategic transactions announced on June 15.

Says Gordon: “The Board thanks Hamish for his contribution during what has been a

challenging period in TEN’s history. He has led a strong and talented management team to

effect a turnaround in the Company’s performance.

“Hamish will work with myself and Paul Anderson on a seamless transition and he will

continue to advise and assist the company until the end of the year. TEN is in an important and exciting phase, as we continue to build our revenue on the back of strong audience growth since mid 2014 and transition our sales activities to Multi Channel Network (‘MCN’); and maintain our clear focus on growth and efficiencies,” he said.

Says McLennan: “The strategic arrangements announced on June 15, including the

proposed investment by Foxtel in TEN and the transformative agreement with MCN, mean

that my role is complete. An independent Chairman is needed to lead the Board through the next phase of the company’s development. David Gordon has been an exceptional Director

and his contribution has always been of the highest standard. He will represent all shareholders very well.”

Says Gordon: “The board was delighted to have such a strong internal candidate as Paul

and we were unanimous in appointing him as Chief Executive Officer. He is a 12 year

veteran at TEN, well respected internally and externally, and is the ideal person to lead the

TEN team.”

Adds McLennan: “Paul has been a great partner to myself in the dual role of COO and CFO

of the company and has been an integral member of our leadership team. I have greatly

valued his help and support in developing the plans for the significant resurgence TEN is

now experiencing.”

Anderson has been Chief Financial Officer of TEN since March 2011, having held various

senior finance roles at the Company since he joined in 2003. He was promoted to the role of

Chief Operating Officer in April 2014 with oversight across all areas of the business.

McLennan’s departure may have ramifications for two former Y&R creative directors who he brought in to TEN two years ago, namely chief brand officer Matt McGrath, who was appointed in April 2013, and Michael Stanford, who was appointed National Creative Director Commercial Content in June that year.