AEG drops CEO after Jackson trial; Star FM breakfast host exiting; Koch Entertainment founder stepping down

After Michael Jackson trial, AEG drops CEO

Sports and entertainment promoter Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) axed CEO Randy Phillips after a decade in the job. No reason was offered. He will be replaced by Jay Marciano. AEG was sued by Michael Jackson’s family claiming it negligently hired Dr. Conrad Murray who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter of the singer. Phillips was later dropped from the lawsuit, which AEG won.

New CEO for AHA

The national Australian Hotels Association announced its new CEO as Stephen Ferguson, currently Chief Executive at the Brisbane Racing Club. He replaces Des Crowe who earlier announced he was leaving in February. He spent 10 years with the association, three at the top job.

Amanda French publicist at SCA Brisbane

Amanda French is new publicist and executive assistant at Southern Cross Austereo’s two Brisbane stations B105 and Triple M. She comes from a background in non-for-profit associations.

Star FM breakfast host exiting

Digs from Star FM Port Macquarie announced on air he is leaving the Digs & Nic breakfast show from December 6. He told listeners that for the past three years, his doctor wife had put her career on hold “so I can chase my dream to be a breakfast host” but now she had the opportunity to further her career.

Koch Entertainment founder stepping down

Michael Koch, founder of Koch Entertainment, is stepping down at the end of the year. “It has been quite a ride,” he told staffers. Koch found Koch International in 1987, later changing its name to Koch Entertainment.  In 2005 he sold it for US$80 million to Row Entertainment Income Fund. The latter was subsequently named Entertainment One Income Fund, then eOne.

iiNet’s founder takes a break 

Michael Malone, founder and Managing Director of ISP iiNet is taking a six month break on his first real holiday since setting up in a Perth garage. He told its AGM he’s going to follow his love for travelling and mountain climbing. Finance Director David Buckingham will steer the ship in the meantime.