Nine programming chief exits

Andrew Backwell has resigned from his programming and production role at Australian commercial broadcaster Nine Network.

Nine’s managing director of programming and production will leave the network at the end of October, according to TV Tonight, which broke the news today.

Backwell will reportedly pursue new career opportunities, with other Nine executives taking up his responsibilities.

“Andrew has been a valued member of Nine’s programming team and a key contributor to ratings growth over his 14 years with the business,” said Nine CEO Hugh Marks. “I am grateful for his unwavering commitment to Nine and his drive to innovate our business model.”

Former Seven exec Backwell was named as director of programming and production in 2010, after Michael Healy became director of television. He was later elevated to an MD position.

“It has been an absolute privilege to run programming and production at the Nine Network for so long,” said Backwell. “I’ve also had the opportunity to work with some incredible CEOs during this period, including David Gyngell, Jeffrey Browne and Hugh Marks, and I sincerely wish the company all the very best.”

Earlier this year, Nine re-hired Adrian Swift, naming the former ABC exec head of content production and development.

That came soon after Marks replaced David Gyngell as Nine CEO.