Seven appoints Chris Jones as director of network sports

Seven West Media has appointed Chris Jones to the new role of director of the sports network with immediate effect.

Jones was previously the executive producer of Seven’s cricket coverage, having worked on the AFL, cricket, the Summer and Winter Olympics, the US Masters, Australian Open tennis, Australian Open golf and more over the past 20 years. In his new role, he will report to Seven’s Chief Content Officer, Brook Hall.

In further nominations, Seven’s AFL executive producer, Gary O’Keefe, has been elevated to a new role as head of AFL and sports innovation; horse racing executive producer Andrew Hore-Lacy was appointed head of horse racing; motorsports executive producer Kirsty Bradmore becomes head of the digital sports department and producer of cricket and horse racing programs Joel Starcevic was appointed head of cricket.

Hall said: “Sport is part of Seven’s DNA and a key reason 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 AFL, AFLW, Brownlow Medal, Test cricket, BBL, WBBL, horse racing, supercars, surfing, NFL, golf, netball, hockey and much, much more.

“Chris has been an integral part of our sports team for many years, creating incredible moments and iconic content. I can’t imagine anyone better to lead our sports coverage.”

Jones joined Seven in 2000 as a junior reporter. After working at Nine and Thrive PR, he returned to Seven in 2009 as a senior sports producer. In 2018, he was named executive producer.

In his new position, Jones will lead a team that includes O’Keeffe, Hore-Lacy, Bradmore, Starcevic, executive producer, motorsports, Angela Rampal; head of sports production, Greg Smith; and head of sports production management, Lisa Peach.

Jones said: “We have assembled a team of trusted and energetic leaders who love their sport and will continue to innovate.

“I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from some of the best in the business and now, together with our entire 7Sport team, I look forward to developing our message.

“We are on the cusp of an exciting new era here at Seven, with the addition of digital rights for both football and cricket. This means every Australian will have access to the broadcast live and for free via 7plus and broadcast. I can’t wait to get involved.”

Jones’ meeting comes later Lucio Riberio announced his departure from Seven West Media, taking voluntary redundancy from his position as director of digital marketing and innovation as part of a series of mass layoffs. Georgie Nichols, Seven’s national sales director, has also resigned from her position at the network. Nichols will remain to assist with the handover before officially leaving the club in August.

Last week, Seven announced it was to cut up to 150 jobs after its then-chief financial officer flagged the need to cut costs in February. Jeff Howard and former CEO James Warburton.

Howard took over as CEO at Seven following Warburton’s departure on April 18.

Before Tuesday’s redundancies, Seven had lost three senior executives: its chief revenue officer, Kurt BurnettMarketing Manager, Melissa Hopkinsand Head of Sports and Managing Director of Seven Melbourne, Lewis Martin.

Seven people have confirmed the departures, as well as a number of new appointments and a new operating model that will see SWM operate across three divisions: Television, Digital Services and Western Australia.

See also: Seven West Media: New divisions and management roles in the face of redundancies

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Top photo: Chris Jones