A couple of unexpected swinging doors post the end of financial year, with Natalie Harvey (pictured) returning to the newly merged Southern Cross Media Group as Chief Revenue Officer. Seb Rennie shared on Linkedin today too that this week is his last with the business as Chief Commercial Officer.
Natalie worked for Seven West Media for eight years, rising to the role of National Sales Director. She joined Mamamia at the start of 2024 as their Chief Revenue Officer and became CEO that June.
Since Seven West Media and Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) merged earlier this year, several former Seven employees have returned to the fold including CEO Rohan Lund and Managing Director of Television and Streaming Angus Ross.
The creation of the Chief Revenue Officer role will see Natalie lead SCA’s commercial strategy with a heavy in-market focus, driving premium revenue and active business development.
Rohan Lund said:
“There is some fantastic momentum across the group right now and an enormous opportunity once we bring together the power of the combined group in content and advertising. As we evolve our operating model to bring decision-making closer to our products and customers, creating the Chief Revenue Officer role ensures we have single-minded leadership over our national commercial strategy. Natalie brings an extraordinary depth of media experience and a proven track record across both publisher and agency sectors. Her exceptional skill set in building digital commercial businesses, paired with her deep expertise across television, audio and publishing platforms, makes her the ideal leader to unlock the full potential of our combined strengths and drive our digital transformation forward.”
Natalie Harvey said:
“I’m thrilled to be joining SCA at such an exciting time. What really excites me about the role is the combination of trusted brands, talented people and a clear ambition for the future. The business has an incredible opportunity to unlock the full potential of its combined strengths, creating even greater value for audiences and brand partners. Rohan has a compelling vision for the future, and I’m excited to work alongside the team to help deliver on that ambition.”
Meanwhile at Mamamia, the organisation has seen the departure of Claire Murphy, Taylah Strano, Leah Porges and now Natalie Harvey in recent months, with podcast Mamamia Out Loud No 1 on the Triton Australian Podcast Ranker for most of this year.
When Natalie became CEO, she took over from Jason Lavigne who moved to the role of Executive-Chair. Jason is the husband of Mia Freedman with the pair co-founders of the organisation. Their son Luca Lavigne will become the new CEO on Natalie’s departure.
Natalie Harvey commences with SCMG in September.