Pandora News: Aus Marketer Resigns; Alleged Bullying In NZ Office; Pressure To Sell

Pandora News: Aus Marketer Resigns; Alleged Bullying In NZ Office; Pressure To Sell
Emma Mackenzie
By Emma Mackenzie



Pandora Radio’s Australian marketing director Nicole McInnes (pictured above) has resigned from the music streaming company.

McInnes had been with Pandora since November 2014, after transitioning from outdoor advertising company Adshel.

McInnes confirmed to B&T she left the company last week. A statement from Pandora on New Zealand publication StopPress says: “Nicole McInnes has resigned to take on an exciting new opportunity outside of the music industry.”

In further news, reports in StopPress allege lawsuits have been launched against the company with claims of bullying in the workplace.

StopPress said former employee Melanie Reece had told reporter Damien Venuto there was instances of “corporate bullying”.

StopPress calim Reece has filed a lawsuit against the company for “corporate bullying” which became apparent, she says, when the Aussie businesses started struggling.

Reece named Australian managing director Jane Huxley’s management style as exacerbating it.

B&T has been unable to get in touch with Huxley for confirmation or comment.

A statement from Sara Clemens, chief operating office at Pandora said the “themes in this story are baseless and without merit”.

“Jane Huxley is a strong leader who has Pandora’s full support. We work hard to create a diverse and inclusive work environment where each employee’s contribution is valued, and Jane has been instrumental in bringing that to life in both Australia and New Zealand.

“In the circumstances we part ways with employees, we respect their confidentiality. However the themes in this story are baseless and without merit.” We have yet to hear back whether that means no lawsuits have been filed.

A statement from Chris Freel, commercial director for ANZ at Pandora added: “In my first six months at Pandora I have been overwhelmed by the support of Jane and the team, both locally and in the US. We are building a company that is at an exciting point in its growth curve and is gaining strong traction with the music community, the Australian public and marketing community.

“We have a fantastic team, united behind a clear and transparent vision and excited about the growth we are generating in all areas. This is a very exciting and inspiring place to be.”

And in further news again, reports in US publications claim there’s external pressure for Pandora to explore a sale.

The news comes a month after the music streaming company brought back its founder Tim Westergren after the current CEO Brian McAndrews’ departure.

The pressure to sell comes from management consultancy Corvex Management, reports Bloomberg, after it revealed it owned a 9.9 per cent stake in the company.




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