The Seven Network has announced that Michael Pell has been appointed to the new role of Senior Vice President, Entertainment Content, North America, based in Los Angeles.
Mr Pell will take up his new role in April, reporting to Seven West Media managing director and chief executive Officer, James Warburton, and working with Seven’s chief content officer, entertainment programming, Angus Ross, and the content team.
Mr Pell has been Executive Producer of Australia’s #1 breakfast show, Sunrise, since November 2010 and Weekend Sunrise since March 2009. His successor will be announced soon.
James Warburton, said: “Michael has done an extraordinary job at Sunrise and Weekend Sunrise, playing a vital role in their success and ensuring they remain Australia’s most-watched TV breakfast programs by a wide margin.
“His new role represents a great opportunity for Seven and for Michael himself, adding a valuable new resource in our content development area.”
Seven’s director of news and public affairs, Craig McPherson, said: “Last year, Sunrise was the #1 breakfast TV program in Australia for the 18th year in a row and this year it has increased its lead over its nearest rival.
“It is a remarkable success story and Michael has been an important part of that for over a decade. He moves to his new role with my sincere thanks and very best wishes for the future.”
Mr Pell said: “I am extraordinarily proud of what we’ve achieved at Sunrise. It has been an honour to lead the talented team for more than 11 years, and I thank every one of them for their hard work and dedication.
“The program is in great shape, and I have no doubt Kochie and Nat will continue to dominate the landscape.
“I’m thrilled to be taking this next step. My top priority has always been to put the viewer’s needs first, above all else. As I embark on this new journey, that will remain front of mind,” he said.
