Nine's CFO departs, new chief financial and strategy officer named

Nine Entertainment's chief financial officer, Maria Phillips, is departing, sparking a restructure in the executive team at the media group. 

Matt Stanton, currently Nine’s chief strategy officer and MD of Olympics and Paralympics, will assume a new role as chief financial and strategy officer.

Phillips will leave the business before the 2023 financial year results are released later this month.

Stanton has led general management, financial, transformation and growth areas across a range of sectors, including food and beverage, retail, and media.

Before joining Nine, Stanton was the CEO of Barambah Organics, and has also held the position of chief transformation officer at Woolworths, and CEO of Bauer Media (now Are Media).

Nine CEO Mike Sneesby said Phillips has been a valued member of the Nine executive team since she joined Nine three years ago, including leading Nine’s finance modernisation project.

"We will miss her enthusiasm and many contributions to Nine," he said.

"We wish Maria well with the next chapter of her career. We are fortunate to have someone of Matt’s calibre leading Nine’s finance and strategy function. Bringing these functions together will enhance Nine’s capacity in dealings with our commercial partners and driving efficiency across the business.”

Stanton said since joining Nine in September 2022, he's had the opportunity to work on some amazing deals including negotiating Nine’s Olympic Games and Paralympic Games rights agreements.

"I’m delighted to have the opportunity to take on this broader role, working with Nine’s great finance and strategy teams, to develop our commercial acumen," said Stanton.