Former Screenwest CEO, and head of production at Roadshow Films, Seph McKenna has been appointed to lead the media division of executive search firm Blenheim Partners.
Joining effective immediately as partner, McKenna will lead the new purpose-built media, entertainment and arts division at Blenheim Partners, bringing with him a deep knowledge and understanding of the sector.
Blenheim Partners’ managing partner, Greg Robinson, said 2020 has brought enormous challenges for most Australians, particularly those working in media, entertainment and arts (ME&A).
However, he believed it was the right time to focus on this sector and offer clients a purpose-built offering.
“We went through a rigorous process to find the right lead, and Seph stood out as a multi-disciplinary thinker and his proven ‘question every assumption’ approach has wider applications as the entire media sector reorients to the new realities of 2021 and beyond,” Robinson said in a statement.
“It is the right time for Blenheim to grow and provide a specialist service that will greatly benefit clients in this sector.
“The rise of streaming and digital offerings will continue to reshape the ME&A landscape, and while the disruptions of 2020 may have accelerated industry change, we expect these trends to continue.
“With Seph at the helm of our new division we have every confidence we can offer our clients best-in-class capabilities.”
With Machiavelli as its mascot, Blenheim Partners is well-known for its unconventional approach to search and Robinson said the appointment of Seph McKenna is one such example.
“While not fitting a typical search firm partner profile, Seph was instrumental in turning around a moribund Australian film industry by going against the grain and championing family friendly crowd pleasers such as RED DOG, ODDBALL and PAPER PLANES.
“We’re excited about this new, energetic and somewhat unorthodox approach he will bring to the organisation,” he said.
Mckenna said: “I’m thrilled to be joining this intellectual group of professionals, devoted to the ideals of leadership and integrity for their clients, and in thought leadership for Australia as a whole.
“ Just as the movie industry is all about making dreams come true for creatives, Blenheim is doing the same for executives and the companies they lead,” he said.
McKenna’s appointment is immediate.
