Not even 48 hours since Nine CEO Hugh Marks announced his shock retirement and rumours regarding who will be his successor have already started.
Multiple media reports have listed Stan boss Mike Sneesby and Nine’s head of publishing and digital Chris Janz as potential suitors for the role.
Names like former Network Ten boss Paul Anderson and former Seven CEO Tim Worner have also been thrown out.
Luckily for those particularly interested in the outcome, Sportsbet has revealed its own list of the top contenders to take over the job.
Janz is the bookmaker’s clear favourite, coming in at $1.85. He is followed by Fetch TV Scott Lorson ($3.25) and Sneesby ($5.50).
Perhaps the most surprising inclusion on the list is one-time CEO and current host of Millionaire Hot Seat Eddie McGuire, who came in at a long-price $45.
Former CEO David Gyngell also made the list at $12.
“Eddie is widely respected in business and media circles and Nine could do worse. Judging by the huge salary the outgoing CEO was on, the successful applicant is probably going into a millionaire’s hot seat of their own,’’ said Sportsbet’s Rich Hummerston.
McGuire is not the only on-air talent at Nine to make the list. Karl Stefanovic [feature image] is equal price at $45, followed by Tracy Grimshaw, who is an $101 outsider.
Former ABC boss Michelle Guthrie and current chair Ita Buttrose came in at $21 and $28 respectively.
The full list can be found here.
$1.85 Chris Janz
$3.25 Scott Lorson
$5.50 Mike Sneesby
$7.50 Tim Worner
$12 David Gyngell
$15 Greg Hywood
$21 Michelle Guthrie
$28 Ita Buttrose
$28 Mark Scott
$34 James Warburton
$45 Eddie McGuire