Hugh Marks exit: Chris Janz, Mike Sneesby tipped to replace Nine CEO

A top media analyst questions Nine’s search for a replacement for outgoing chief executive Hugh Marks.

A top media analyst says it would be “insanity” for Nine to drag out its search for a replacement for outgoing chief executive Hugh Marks.

Reports have suggested a new boss won’t be in place until June next year with a number of internal and external candidates rumoured to be in the running.

“It is not going to take until next June and it would be insanity for it to take that long,” analyst Steve Allen, director of Pearman Media, said.

CEO of Nine Hugh Marks in North Sydney after he announced his resignation over a relationship with an office colleague. Picture: Jane Dempster

“He (Marks) has said that it is his decision and he has stepped down, in which case it is time to move on. If he is still heading Nine Entertainment at the end of January, that would be too far.”

Marks at the weekend announced he will step down from his role as head of the $4 billion media company after being forced to confirm his relationship with a junior ­female executive he turned to during the COVID-19 pandemic because he was “lonely”.

The executive who presided over the merger of television company Nine Network with publishing house Fairfax Media in 2018 was summoned to a hastily convened online meeting with members of Nine’s board and chairman Peter Costello on Saturday.

At the meeting, Marks was grilled on his personal relationship with former Nine director of commercial Alexi Baker who left the company in October. He was also questioned over his conduct with another woman on his staff.

Alexi Baker, who was in a relationship with Hugh Marks. Picture: Jane Dempster

Candidates being considered to replace Marks include Stan boss Mike Sneesby and Nine chief digital and publishing officer Chris Janz. Externally, former Ten chief executive Paul Anderson is a contender.

“Having made the announcement, they need to get on with it quickly and for the next chief executive to start setting the agenda,” Allen said. “It is only fair that the next chief executive, whoever that is, can get in there and start setting their agenda for the new year and the new financial year of 2021/22.”

Media buyer Barry O’Brien of Atomic 212 however said there was no rush to find a replacement for Marks.

“If I was Nine, I would be taking my time to get the right person at the appropriate time,” O’Brien said. “You’ve got to do the search properly. They have to work out what they need. I wouldn’t think they should have to sprint to the line before Christmas to get someone in.”

Mike Sneesby. Picture: Hollie Adams

Chris Janz. Picture: Hollie Adams