Foxtel reshuffles senior executive team as it resets its operating model

Les Wigan and Lesley Portwain will move to newly created roles across Foxtel’s broadcast and streaming operations.

Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany. Picture: Britta Campion

Foxtel has reshuffled its senior executive team, promoting Les Wigan and Lesley Portwain to newly created roles across its broadcast and streaming operations, reporting to chief executive Patrick Delany.

Mr Wigan, who is currently chief operating officer at Foxtel's sports streaming platform Kayo Sports, has been appointed executive director of operations and technology, while Ms Portwain has been promoted to chief customer service officer.

In addition, chief product and strategy officer Alice Mascia will take on responsibility for Foxtel's transformation office.

The executive changes follow the departure of chief operations officer Euan Smith, who has been appointed CEO of Malaysian television business Astro.

Mr Delany and his team have been very busy over the past year, most recently striking a new multi-year content deal with US media giant NBCUniversal and launching two new FOX-branded entertainment channels, FOX SLEUTH and FOX SCI FI, amid fierce competition.

Foxtel has also launched a customer loyalty program, Foxtel First, as part of management’s move to strengthen its offering.

Mr Delany thanked Mr Smith for his work over the past two years, saying it bodes well for the group's future. He also acknowledged his desire to be closer to his UK-based family.

“Since joining us two years ago, Euan has led a transformation in technology, operations and customer service at Foxtel playing a vital role in our turnaround and helping lay the foundations for our future," he said.

“I understand his desire to take a CEO role and given he commutes once a month to London to be with his family, to be a little closer to home."

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Mr Delany said the departure of Mr Smith gives Foxtel the opportunity to bring forward its plans to reset its operating model.

"This will involve bringing best-in-class digital technology, including that created for the Kayo Sports streaming platform, across the entire group with the aim of delivering a material improvement in efficiency and customer experience.”

Mr Wigan will be responsible for all technology platforms, services and operations across the group’s broadcast, streaming, enterprise and studios. His role will also include bringing together the underlying technology and platforms across the group.

Ms Portwain, who is currently director of customer service at Foxtel, will be responsible for all customer transactions. Foxtel is 65 per cent owned by News Corp Australia, publisher of The Australian, with the remainder held by Telstra.