Nine’s Director of Sales For Sport, Olympic & Paralympic Games Matt Granger has passed away after a year long battle with cancer.
Granger led Nine’s sport sales efforts, including for the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, and was a widely respected and loved senior sales executive.
He spent nearly eight years at Nine, joining as director of sales in sport, and becoming the sales lead for Nine’s Olympic and Paralympic Games coverage from 2023.
Granger was previously the commercial director at Australian Radio Network and held senior sales roles at Seven, where he worked for more than 12 years.
Nine’s chief sales officer Matt James told staff: “It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I share some incredibly difficult news with you all. Our dear colleague, and friend, Matt Granger, passed away yesterday morning after bravely battling cancer over the past year.
“As Director of Sales for Sport, Olympic and Paralympic Games, Grange was a cornerstone of our business and team. Over the last eight years, he made significant contributions to our success and was a guiding force within the sales leadership team.
“Matt was an extraordinary individual. He was a truly cherished colleague and a genuine friend to so many across the Nine family. His kindness, warmth, and spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.”
After this article was published, the Media Federation of Australia has shared their condolences. Here are some thoughts about Granger and the impact he had on the industry and his friends.
Peter Horgan, Principal & CEO, JOY
We are just devastated by the news of Matt’s passing. So full of life, generosity and humour. From arguing over TV spot rates 20 years ago to giggling watching our kids play rugby on the school touchline, you were a great colleague and friend with so much light. You fought bravely to the end with so much to live for. Matt, you will be sadly missed by all of us. The Horgans’ thoughts and prayers are with Nellie, Will, Em and Hattie. 💔💔💔
Kristiaan Kroon, CEO, Omnicom Media Australia
We are deeply saddened by the loss of a truly remarkable man. Grange was a sage in our industry! Genuine, authentic and a businessman of rare integrity. More than that, he was a friend to me and so many others. His humour, his wisdom, and his generous heart touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Grange will be profoundly missed, but his impact, his lessons, and the warmth he shared will stay with us always. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who feel the weight of this loss. May his memory be a blessing.
Sarah Keith, Managing Director, Involved Media Australia
I absolutely loved working with Matt. Whether he was selling, hosting, or just catching up, he had the ability to charm and entertain. My sincerest condolences to his family and close colleagues, of whom I know there are so many. You will be missed, my friend.
Virginia Hyland, CEO, SQUAD M&A
My deepest condolences to Matt’s family. I will remember Matt as a true gentleman of our industry. Smart, thoughtful and always with a positive attitude. He was one of the good ones. I will miss his imprint on our industry.
Granger is survived by his wife Nellie and three children.
