Foxtel Group Transforms with New Executive Shuffle

Foxtel Group, one of Australia‘s most successful media companies, has announced a major shake–up of its executive structure in order to drive growth and keep costs under control. Four new divisions will be headed by Hilary Perchard, Julian Ogrin, Amanda Laing and Les Wigan.

The news was revealed to staff across the group by Foxtel Group chief executive Patrick Delany, who noted the success of their streaming strategy. “We are a proven disrupter and have cemented our place in more than half of Australian homes,” said Delany in a memo to staff.

News Corp chief executive Robert Thomson revealed last week that strong streaming numbers saw total streaming subscribers, including Kayo Sports, Binge and Foxtel Now, reach 3.039 million (2.963 million paid), up 11% year–on–year.

Thomson also noted that streaming subscribers represented approximately 66% of the Foxtel Group’s total subscribers (61% in Q3 FY22), Kayo Sports reached 1.332 million subscribers (1.309 million paid), up 10%, Binge reached 1.529 million subscribers (1.484 million paid), up 17%, and Foxtel Now reached 178,000 subscribers (171,000 paid), down 17%.

“Streaming now accounts for two–thirds of the total Foxtel subscription base and that revenue growth is more than offsetting the decline in broadcast – fears that our world–class streaming products would be a catalyst for cannibalisation have been unfounded,” said Thomson.

The biggest change in the shake–up will see Julian Ogrin move from running Kayo Sports and Binge to focus on Kayo Sports and Foxtel Media, aiming to spearhead growth in subscription and digital advertising.

As Foxtel Media chief executive Mark Frain will lead the development of digital advertising capabilities to monetise new audience reach. The TV business that delivers the biggest audiences for Foxtel and Kayo, Fox Sports, will continue under the leadership of executive director Steve Crawley. Foxtel Group has recognised the work done by backroom sports rights negotiator Rebecca McCloy, who will report directly to Delany after being a key player in securing renewals of AFL, Formula 1, Cricket Australia and No Limit Boxing.

Delany summed up the changes with: “Our new operating model will change the way you and your teams are organised. Over the past five years, we have shown that we can lean into new ways of working and that we can transform our business in a way that reflects our values, supports the growth and enablement of our people, and delivers better business outcomes. Let’s change the game once again. Together we will take the Foxtel Group into its next era of growth and success.”

However, there was no detail of any redundancies associated with the group structure, as the TV business has been impacted by parent company News Corp’s plan to reduce headcount by over 1200 this calendar year.

One executive commented on the changes, saying: “Foxtel, like any business, is continually transforming and regularly asks how can it be more efficient.”