Former Ten boss Mott to run new Nine net

Australia’s Nine Network has hired the former programming chief David Mott of Ten Network to run its new Perth affiliate net.

Nine today announced terms had been agreed with WIN to take control of STW Perth (Channel Nine Perth) on September 30 for an undisclosed amount, likely in hundreds of millions of dollars, and concurrently appointed Mott to oversee the new operation.

“Following detailed discussions with WIN proprietor Bruce Gordon and the completion of due diligence requirements, we are now in a position to finalise the contracts on this pivotal deal for the Nine Network,” said Nine Entertainment CEO David Gyngell.

“To reinforce that milestone, we today announce the appointment of David Mott as the Managing Director of Channel Nine Perth,” he added.

Mott was head of programming at Nine rival Ten from 1997 to 2012, during which time he commissioned shows such as MasterChef Australia, Australian Idol and The Biggest Loser.

He resigned from his role last year amid a series of poorly rating new commissions such as Everybody Dance Now, The Shire and being Lara Bingle.

Gyngell called him “one of the outstanding executives in contemporary Australian television” and added: “He’s been a trailblazing programmer and a great leader. He’s a Perth boy made good, and he’s coming home to help us build this market and really make an impact.”

Mott said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been asked by David Gyngell to take over as managing director of STW9 Perth, and as a senior member of the executive programming team working with [director of programming and production] Andrew Backwell and of course [director of television] Michael Healy across all aspects of Nine.”

Local Australian reports continue to state Nine will seek an IPO, potentially before the year-end, as its hedge fund controlled parents seek to cash in.