Duane Hatherly has decided to step down as director of production at Foxtel after nine years in the role, and 22 years at the company.
In a note to staff yesterday, Hatherly said his decision to resign, which involved “a great deal of consideration and some serious soul-searching” was not an easy one.
“I am grateful that during that time, and over so many milestones, Foxtel has offered me the opportunity to take responsibility in almost every facet of television and broadcast,” he said.
“And for the last six years leading local production, I certainly felt that I had the best job in TV in Australia! We’ve created some terrific programmes and landed so many standout successes.
“But the time has come and it feels right that I now move on. It is important to me to seek new a challenge for my own professional development and experience.
Hatherly said he owed a debt of gratitude to many people at Foxtel.
“Given the length of my tenure and the numerous chapters of this business’ evolution, the list of names would be very long indeed!” he said.
“Suffice to say that I had an awful lot of help and support along the way from many talented and passionate professionals.
“So, it is with both sadness and excitement that I take the plunge and embark on a new chapter. And if lightning strikes twice, I’ll find a comparable degree of satisfaction and success with the turning of this page.”
Addressing Hatherly’s departure to staff in an email, Foxtel’s executive director of TV, Brian Walsh, said: “I completely understand Duane’s position and, as difficult as this has been to accept, acknowledge that this is the right time for him to spread his wings.
“It would be hard to find anyone who has demonstrated as much as loyalty and commitment to Foxtel as Duane.
“He joined the company 22 years ago as a graphics designer, straight off the plane from Toronto and made his way up the ladder in promos, then administration, channel and genre management, including head of lifestyle and finally as our director of production.
“It was during those formative years of our company that many life long friendships and bonds were formed, and it won’t surprise any of you to know that Duane became a favourite amongst the team.
“To this day, his passion, warm disposition, genuine care and objectivity in his approach to work, remains some of his trademark qualities.
“I am personally indebted to Duane for his unwavering loyalty, reliability and support over all these years. In every respect, he has been a pillar of support to me and I will be forever grateful.”
Hatherly’s last day at Foxtel will be Thursday 20 December.
