The Seven Network has named its new national sport sales director, Rob Maclean, set to lead the broadcast giant’s sponsorship opportunities and integrations across Seven’s sports broadcasts in the AFL, cricket, Supercars, Olympic and Commonwealth Games, horse racing and the NFL.

Maclean, who was most recently Seven’s head of commercial and partnerships for network sport and led the sales strategy and brand implementation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games, has been a part of the organisation since 2007.

Effective immediately, Maclean will report directly to Seven West Media national sales director, Natalie Harvey.

On the appointment of Maclean, Harvey said: “We are thrilled that Rob [Maclean] will take up the role of the national sport sales director.”

“Over Rob’s 15 years at Seven, he has created strong partnerships, delivered exceptional commercial outcomes and provided excellent team leadership.

“As we integrate the Seven and Prime businesses, Rob will lead the charge in evolving our sport product and creating even better opportunities for brands to connect with millions of Australians in the most exciting and engaging content there is,” she said.

Discussing his new position, Maclean said: “Sport has always been in my DNA and I’m thrilled to be able to lead Seven’s wonderful sport sales team to deliver exceptional brand and business outcomes for our partners through the power of live sport and the strength of Seven’s truly national, cross-platform offering.”

“Seven has an incredible sport schedule, including Australia’s #1 winter sport – the AFL – Australia’s best horse racing 52 weeks a year, the best cricket plus the exhilarating Supercars and NFL.

“Add to that the most inclusive and diverse event of 2022, the Commonwealth Games, and we have a big year ahead,” he said.

The appointment comes as Seven looks to shakeup its sports rights offering, with Seven West Media CEO, James Warburton, recently revealing the organisation is looking to win back the rights to broadcast the Australian Open, admitting they would sacrifice their Cricket Australia rights to make it happen.