XYZnetworks’ CEO Exiting Post

SYDNEY: Bruce Mann is leaving his post as the CEO of XYZnetworks, where he has spent a decade leading the group.

XYZnetworks is jointly owned by Foxtel and Austar. A recent decision by the ACCC approves Foxtel‘s acquisition of Austar, meaning that it will also control XYZnetworks, starting May 24.

During his ten-year tenure, Mann has overseen the growth of the company from six channels in 2002 to the 12 it currently operates. Mann joined XYZnetworks in 2002 after spending seven years at Austar in senior sales and marketing, programming and general management roles.

“Foxtel is rightly taking advantage of this opportunity to create a national Foxtel brand, which will include both the Austar and XYZnetworks assets,” said Mann.

“I am pleased to be leaving XYZnetworks in great shape. XYZ is the jewel in the crown. Our financial performance is strong. We have developed a suite of themed channel brands that are the leaders in their genres. And we have a fantastic team of TV professionals who understand their audiences intimately and consistently produce innovative programming.

“Our brand-centric approach to television focused on lifestyle, music and weather channels has been very successful in attracting deeply engaged viewers, and I am confident Foxtel will build on this great legacy.”

“Over the past decade XYZnetworks channels consistently over-performed in revenue to ratings based upon brand positioning, creative client executions and on ground support and that has been personally very satisfying for me.

“It has also been rewarding to have been closely involved in expanding our LifeStyle and music channels portfolio and overseeing the evolution of The Weather Channel to be now the nation’s most authoritative weather brand.

“It has been great for the team at XYZ that the industry has recognized this performance by making XYZnetworks the most awarded entity in the pay-TV industry, including receiving ASTRA’s channel of the year awards in 2010 and 2011,” he said.

As for his next move, Mann is keeping his options open. “I love television and the media. It’s been my passion for 30 years, and the last 10 years with XYZ have been fantastic. Media is in my blood, but what I really enjoy is building and growing consumer brands and recruiting, developing and motivating people. My aim is to apply these skills and experience in my next role, whether it be in media or in another industry,” he said.