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Stoked ... Ben Roberts-Smith VC MG, and chair of the National Australia Day Council, has been named the general manager of Channel 7 in Queensland. Picture: Supplied. Source: News Corp Australia
VICTORIA Cross medal winner Ben Roberts-Smith has emerged as Australian television’s fastest rising star, after being promoted to the rank of general manager at Channel 7 Queensland.
The former Australian Army hero and chairman of the National Australia Day Council was only promoted to his first executive role within the network in April, after presenting Seven’s Anzac centenary special, Power Of Ten and other exclusives for current affairs flagship, Sunday Night.
Seven chairman, Kerry Stokes is a noted military enthusiast and war memorabilia collector and has fostered a close relationship between his media company and Roberts-Smith, who has previously been hired to conduct leadership seminars.
Force ... Kerry Stokes at the ANZAC Day National Ceremony and Parade at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Picture: Kym Smith Source: News Corp Australia
The 36-year-old married father of two is currently studying a Masters of Business Administration at the University of Queensland and has an advanced diploma in management and a graduate certificate of business.
He will replace Neil Mooney, who is retiring.
Mooney said: ““Ben will be an excellent leader. He is an outstanding person. When it comes to leadership he ticks all the right boxes.â€
Seven CEO Tim Worner said: “we are delighted to announce this appointment. Ben has been a part of the Seven Network for a number of years and has impressed us greatly with his management and leadership skills.
Rising star ... Roberts-Smith presented Channel 7’s Anzac centenary special, Power Of Ten. Picture: Seven. Source: Channel 7
In a statement, Worner noted: “Neil’s tremendous contribution to our businesses across news and public affairs and television management. He hands over Seven Queensland in terrific shape as the market-leading television network across the fast-growing regional Queensland markets.â€
Roberts-Smith said: “I consider this a fantastic opportunity and one which I have accepted with
great pride. Seven West Media is founded on integrity, innovation and excellence and as part of the Seven Queensland team I look forward to contributing to its continuing success.â€
Since retiring from the Armed Forces, Roberts-Smith has been a leading strategic adviser to Government and industry on a broad range of defence, security and personnel issues.