Marks tipped as Gyngell’s Nine replacement

Australia’s Nine Entertainment is reportedly poised to appoint a former Southern Star Entertainment CEO as its new boss.

According to various local news reports, Hugh Marks (pictured) is expected to replace David Gyngell as chief executive of Nine Network’s parent company.

Gyngell’s contract is up at the end of the year, and he has long been expected to call time on his tenure. Reports of succession plans were leaked to the Australia media press last month.

Marks currently runs media investment firm Media Venture Partners, but has production experience has chief executive of Southern Star, which is now part of Endemol Shine Australia.

He owns a talent agency, RGM Artists, worked for the Australian Communications and Media Authority for two years, was legal counsel for Nine and was a director of Nine Films and Television.

Marks has also been on the Nine board since January 2013, and is chairman of factual prodiction company WildBear Entertainment.

Gyngell, a highly-regarded programming executive, will retain a role at Nine, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. He is expected to take a seat on the board, with Nine’s management team keen to keep his expertise.

Nine’s annual general meeting is being held on Novemver 17, where an announcement is likely to be made.

Nine’s Perth operations boss David Mott is moving to run ITV Studios Australia next month, replacing the departed Anita Jacoby.