Angus Ross to depart Seven after nearly 27 years – After nearly three decades helping shape Australian television, one of the industry’s most influential programming executives is departing the Seven Network. Angus Ross, who has overseen one of the most dominant eras in commercial TV history, will leave the network following internal leadership changes announced by Seven West Media.
Ross has been a central figure in Seven’s sustained ratings leadership, helping steer the broadcaster to the number one position in 17 of the past 19 years while championing some of Australia’s most recognisable television brands.
Leadership changes announced
The news was confirmed to staff in an internal memo from Heith Mackay-Cruise, who outlined a number of leadership changes designed to bring greater clarity to the company’s structure.
Under the changes, Seb Rennie has been appointed Chief Commercial Officer and Stephen Haddad Chief Operating Officer, both reporting to Interim CEO Television and Audio John Kelly.
In the same announcement, Mackay-Cruise confirmed Ross would be leaving the business.
“Over many years, Angus has made an outstanding contribution to the Seven Network, and we are sincerely grateful for his commitment and impact,” Mackay-Cruise said.
“Among many achievements, perhaps most notably, Angus and his team have led the Seven Network to a number one position in 17 of the last 19 years. He leaves the business and the broader network content team in incredibly solid shape.”
The memo also confirmed that Seven’s Chief Operating Officer Trent Dickeson will depart the business after 13 years.
Mackay-Cruise praised Dickeson for building a highly professional operations team and delivering major infrastructure initiatives, including the development of new studios, offices and control rooms in Eveleigh, Melbourne and Canberra, as well as establishing the company’s offshore operations team.
Reflecting on nearly three decades at Seven
Ross shared his own message with colleagues, reflecting on his long tenure at the network.
“I’m incredibly sad to let you all know that today will be my last day at Seven after nearly 27 years – and wow, what a ride,” he wrote.
“It has been such a pleasure and a privilege to work alongside each of you. I am so proud of what we’ve achieved together – most of the time on the smell of an oily rag. Ever the underdogs.”
During his time with Seven, Ross played a key role in shaping the network’s content strategy and guiding it through one of the most successful periods in Australian television history.
“Our list of content-driven achievements is extraordinary,” Ross said.
“Number one for 17 of the past 19 years – one of the most sustained periods of market leadership for any major television network globally, not just in Australia.”
He also highlighted the network’s strong finish in 2025 and growth across Total TV audiences, noting that Seven had expanded viewership across major franchises while also driving digital growth on the network’s streaming platform 7plus.
Championing Australian formats and global hits
Ross pointed to the success of several locally produced formats that have resonated both domestically and internationally.
These include titles such as Border Security, My Kitchen Rules and House Rules, as well as long-running audience favourites including Home and Away and Better Homes and Gardens.
“I know I shouldn’t have favourites but Home and Away and MKR – two long-running Seven owned formats with growing ratings that are seen around the world – how good are they?” Ross said.
He also highlighted the strength of the network’s upcoming 2026 slate, including Glenn and Mick’s Celebrity Intervention, The 1% Club Australia, SAS: AUS v ENG, Farmer Wants A Wife, The Voice, My Kitchen Rules, Home and Away, Better Homes and Gardens and The Chase.
“Combine all that with our superb spine of News and Sport offerings and I reckon you’ll deliver leadership for an incredible 18th time,” he said.
Paying tribute to mentors and colleagues
Ross also acknowledged the many executives and colleagues who shaped his career across nearly three decades at Seven.
He paid tribute to former network leaders including David Leckie, Bruce McWilliam, Tim Worner, James Warburton and others who played significant roles in the network’s success.
Ross also offered special thanks to former chairman Kerry Stokes.
“I’ve always appreciated his honesty and his genuine interest in the content we produce and acquire,” Ross said.
“He was a driving force behind our relentless pursuit of ratings success.”
“While I’ll no longer be at Seven living and breathing the daily ratings with you, I remain heavily invested in your success. I have complete confidence in the content structure going forward – you are the best in the business.”
A personal note
Having known Angus for more than 20 years, his departure represents a significant moment not just for Seven but for the broader Australian television industry.
Throughout his career at Seven — from his early days in programming through to his role as Managing Director — Angus has remained one of the most passionate advocates for television content and storytelling.
Despite the demands of senior leadership, he always made time to talk about programming, share insights about the slate and discuss the evolving television landscape. I’ve had the privilege of interviewing Angus many times over the years, including several appearances on TV Central podcasts, and he has always been generous with his time and knowledge.
To me, Angus has been more than one of the best programmers in the business — he has been a mentor, supporter and someone who genuinely cares about the industry and the people within it.
He will be missed at Seven.
On a personal note, thank you Angus for your support of myself and TV Central over the years. I hope you enjoy some well-earned time with Jo and Emily.
Hopefully this isn’t the end of the book — just the end of a chapter.
Link to 7plus HERE
TV Central content HERE
