Former Ten exec Grant Blackley to head up SCA

Southern Cross Austereo announced today that Grant Blackley is to be their new CEO, commencing at the end of June.

The former Channel 10 executive replaces Rhys Holleran in the position, who announced earlier this month that he was resigning following a turbulent 18 months for the radio network.

Blackley acknowledged that SCA was in the midst of a challenging period.

“Media is a tough industry, but it is also a highly creative and dynamic sector and with the right vision, strategies and leadership I believe Southern Cross Austereo has a strong future,” he said.

SCA is hoping to recover its ratings with the revival of Hamish and Andy in the Drive slot next month. The pair had previously held the position for five years.

Ratings and profits plummeted last year, after top rated breakfast duo Kyle and Jackie O left the 2Day FM network for Kiis FM.

2Day FM compensated with the introduction of a new breakfast team comprised of former Spice Girl Mel B, Sophie Monk, Merrick Watts, and Jules Lund in the beginning of 2014. Mel B was the first to depart the station after six months, with Monk announcing her exit shortly after.

Currently, the breakfast slot is occupied by Dan Debuf and Maz Compton, who were previously heard on the national Drive show.

Peter Bush, Executive Chairman of SCA, is confident that Blackley is the “right person” to “reinvigorate Southern Cross Austereo’s sales strategy.”

“I have had the opportunity to observe Grant in his various media industry roles over some time, and I have a great deal of respect for his expertise and achievements in media sales, strategy and executive team development in particular,” he said.

Blackley is set to commence his new position at SCA on Monday June 29.