GTV Manager quits Nine

After word yesterday that Gary Pert, Managing Director of GTV9 Melbourne would adopt a position as CEO at Collingwood Football Club, today the Nine Network has announced Pert is quitting Nine.

Pert was only in the role for nine months after successfully helming Melbourne Austereo stations FOX FM and MMM.

Nine Network Australia, Executive Director, Jeffrey Browne, said: “Nine appreciates Gary’s contribution to the Network and understands that he wishes to pursue a change in his career. We wish him well in this endeavour. We are fortunate to have Tony Shepherd who will assume many of the duties previously allocated to Pert’s position.”

As part of a restructure Nine will not reappoint the Managing Director role, an interesting move given a station the size and history of GTV.

No doubt all these changes will ricochet onto Eddie McGuire and continued speculation about his own position as Nine’s CEO.

McGuire is also Collingwood’s President.

Press Release:

Today the Nine Network Australia announced that Gary Pert would stand down from the role of Managing Director, Channel Nine Melbourne (GTV).

Pert has decided to pursue a full time career in football administration with the Collingwood Football Club.

Tony Shepherd will continue in his role as Station Manager of Channel Nine Melbourne.

Shepherd will assume responsibility for the day-to-day operations of GTV as the Nine Network does not propose to replace Pert’s role of Managing Director in Melbourne.

This structure will be similar to the model of Channel Nine Brisbane (QTQ) and is in line with the Network’s management objectives.

Nine Network Australia, Executive Director, Jeffrey Browne, said: “Nine appreciates Gary’s contribution to the Network and understands that he wishes to pursue a change in his career. We wish him well in this endeavour. We are fortunate to have Tony Shepherd who will assume many of the duties previously allocated to Pert’s position.

Of his time at the Network, Pert said: “It’s been a fantastic opportunity to work with such a great team of people at Channel Nine. I have no doubt that Tony and the Executive Team will maintain the performance and culture that GTV9 is famous for.”

Pert will leave Channel Nine Melbourne at the end of this week.