MCN sales and marketing officer Mark Frain takes over CEO role from Anthony Fitzgerald

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Anthony Fitzgerald.jpgMark Frain - MCN.jpgMulti Channel Network (MCN) today announced the appointment of Mark Frain as the company’s new chief executive officer, effective immediately.

Frain (near left), currently MCN’s Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, replaces outgoing CEO Anthony Fitzgerald (far left). After 15 years as CEO leading MCN, Fitzgerald has decided to take a well-earned break before deciding on any new future opportunities.

Announcing the appointment, MCN chair Stacey Brown congratulated Frain and thanked Fitzgerald for his contribution to MCN.

Ms Brown said Mr Frain’s appointment heralded a new era for MCN, Australia’s leading multi-screen media network, as it continues to strengthen its market leading position: “Mark has diverse global experience across sales, strategic planning and commercial development and is ideally suited to lead the next generation for MCN.

“He is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most respected sales executives and has the vision, expertise and leadership skills to drive MCN’s future growth as it remains at the forefront of multi-screen trading.

“On behalf of MCN’s shareholders, Foxtel, FOX SPORTS Australia and Network Ten, I’d like to thank Anthony for his contribution as CEO for the last 15 years and wish him well for the future.”

In the 15 years that Fitzgerald has led the business, MCN has grown to a $1.2 billion operation representing a 45 per cent commercial audience share of television and the largest broadcast-quality digital video network in Australia.

Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany also acknowledged Fitzgerald’s achievements and welcomed Frain to the new role: “I’ve worked with Fitzy for 15 years and respect the enormous passion he has for television and redefining the TV advertising model. He has embedded a culture of innovation within the company and built a great team of committed and talented sales executives. I look forward to working more closely with Frainy as he drives continued and enhanced outcomes for MCN, Foxtel and FOX SPORTS and Network Ten.”

Says Network Ten CEO Paul Anderson: “I’d like to thank Anthony for his contribution not only to MCN but to the overall television industry. He has driven key initiatives, fostered innovation and been a genuine leader of change. On behalf of Network Ten, we wish him well. I’d also like to congratulate Mark on his new appointment. It’s a demonstration of his commitment and expertise in shaping the television landscape that sees him assume this new role.”

Frain said he was thrilled to take on the new challenge: “I’m proud to be offered this opportunity and have absolute confidence in the MCN team and the strong future we can build together for this business.”

Fitzgerald congratulated Frain on his appointment and wished him every success for the future. He also well praised the MCN staff for their loyalty, commitment and professionalism: “A passion for television has guided all my career choices to date. Leaving MCN is bittersweet; it is a business I’m passionate about and have been so proud to lead for the last 15 years.

“The success of MCN to date has been the result of concerted team effort by people who love television and I know the business is in good hands for the future. Mark has the confidence, respect and trust of the industry and will be a tremendous leader. He is both colleague and good friend and I wish him the very best.”

Frain joined MCN in 2005, heading up the Strategic & Brand Integration team for several years before taking on the role of Sydney Sales Director in 2010, then moving to National Sales & Marketing Director in 2011 taking on responsibility for sales and revenue growth across all MCN divisions: TV, Digital, Mobile and Sport.  

Since then Frain has continued to develop a multi-skilled sales team, built upon a dynamic and results driven framework. Mark has been a driving force behind the redefinition of the television advertising model in Australia, pushing for the world’s first programmatic private marketplace for TV. An influential industry spokesperson, Mark has also led the conversation around the mindshift from a traditional television spend to an ‘all video’ media buy.