Musical Chairs: SCA’s James Bayes leaving; ABC’s Andy Henley retiring; Changes at Sydney Opera House; Laura Imbruglia launching web show; Black bows out of Private Media

SCA’s James Bayes leaving for mobile startup …

Southern Cross Austereo’s Head of Digital Sales and Operations, James Bayes, is leaving after ten years to work with Melbourne-based buzz mobile startup Unlockd. He is the yet-to-be-launched company’s Commercial Director, aiming to the market its technology, which transforms how smartphones are used to purchase products by connecting “brands, advertisers and content owners with consumers in an innovative, targeted and relevant” manner, according to CEO and co-founder Matt Berriman.

The global interest in Unlockd saw former Google South East Asia MD and social media platform Friendster CEO Richard Kimber arrive in January as non-executive Chairman.

…while Andrea Ingham quits after two years

SCA’s National Sales Director Andrea Ingham has quit after two years, a week after Brian Gallagher took over as Chief Sales Officer. Gallagher was brought in from Ignite Media by new SCA CEO Grant Blackley.

ABC’s Andy Henley retiring

After 30 years at the ABC – and the last five years as 702 ABC Sydney Local Content Manager – Andy Henley is retiring from the broadcaster on September 18. Henley began in 1985 in the technical side, before shifting to content, and was then PD and GM of 666 ABC Canberra before shifting to Sydney.

Aleksei Plinte departs Furst Media

Aleksei Plinte departed Melbourne publisher Furst Media after five years where he was Editor of its musician publication Mixdown and Campaign Coordinator for its flagship weekly, Beat. He will focus more on his broadcasting interests. Furst Media GM Patrick Carr also now edits Mixdown, a previous role for him.

Changes at Sydney Opera House

Macquarie Group CEO Nicholas Moore is new Chair of the Sydney Opera House Trust. One time NRMA's Head of Sponsorship, Cie'Jai Zarb, joins in a senior commercial role.

Greg McCosker at Sunshine FM

Greg McCosker, who’s worked in community and commercial radio in Sydney, Brisbane and on the Sunshine Coast, is the new FM of Sunshine Coast community station Sunshine FM. The accomplished songwriter ran his own media agency for over 15 years.

Andrew McLaren back at Magic

After a stint at 3AW Melbourne, Andrew McLaren is back hosting the 10 am to 2 pm slot at Magic 1278 where he once helmed the breakfast show. Chris Miller moves to evenings.

Laura Imbruglia launching arts and culture web show

Singer songwriter Laura Imbruglia is launching a new arts and culture web show Amateur Hour on www.amateurhour.tv in spring. It’s a half-hour variety show featuring musicians, visual artists, actors and comedians, many appearing in roles outside their careers. Laura Jean hosts a cooking show. Ray Ahn (Hard-Ons) illustrates tour memoirs in real time. The trailer reveals appearances by Sarah Blasko, punk band Batpiss, cartoonist Lluis Fuzzhound, writer Clementine Ford and artist Celeste Potter. Episode 1 of the six-episode pilot season arrives Tuesday Sept 1 and each episode will air on a fortnightly basis.Watch the trailer at www.amateurhour.tv.

Sam Bingley announced as Crocmedia CCO

Sam Bingley becomes Chief Commercial Officer at sports and entertainment firm Crocmedia, whose divisions cover venues, radio, TV and online. Bingley was five years Melbourne Agency Sales Director at Southern Cross Austereo and most recently GM, Business Development at Melbourne Racing Club.

Stephen Baldwin back at Foxtel in new role

Stephen Baldwin is back at Foxtel Networks, in the newly created role of Head of Channels & Operations after a five-year stint at Ai-Media COO. Foxtel Executive Director of Television, Brian Walsh, to whom one time Group Program Manager Baldwin reports said, “The appointment allows my colleague Ross Crowley and me the opportunity to focus on strategy, content, growth, our expanded production slate and the ever changing commercial environment. Stephen has the smarts, the energy and drive to keep this company surging ahead.”

Joy gets L.A. Spinz

JOY 94.9 picked up Los Angeles based radio vet Peter Reynolds’ entertainment segment L.A. Spinz. It covers music, films, TV, games and tech, and airs on the JOY site each Wednesday at 5pm AEST. L.A. Spinz Is also broadcast in Hong Kong, Taipei and, soon, Bangkok. “I’ve been living in L.A. long enough to know every nook and cranny, and where all the bodies are buried,” Reynolds quipped.

Black bows out of Private Media

Sophie Black, Editor-In-Chief of independent publisher Private Media (Crikey, Smart Company) is departing after ten years.

Emma Griffiths takes on drive

Award winning Emma Griffiths takes over 612 ABC Brisbane drive show for the next 12 months while Karina Carv is on maternity leave. Griffiths who started her media career in Tamworth on Prime TV, returned to Brisbane in 1997 and had postings in Moscow and London.

New digital head for Yahoo 7

Paul Russell, a 15-year veteran of the digital sector, takes over as Director of Technology for Yahoo 7 Australia and New Zealand.

Image: Laura Imbruglia with Sarah Blasko
Photo Credit: Carbie Warbie