Foxtel hires former AFL and News Corp executive, invests in more sporting resources

DAZN-owned Australian pay TV operator Foxtel has hired Brian Walsh, former AFL executive GM for corporate affairs, government and communications, as its new executive director for communications, corporate affairs and stakeholder management.

Brian Walsh

Walsh, who is not related to the deceased former Foxtel executive of the same name, brings more than 40 years of experience in media, communications, crisis management, including 15 years in senior editorial roles at News Corp Australia.

Joining Foxtel on January 27, Walsh takes on an expanded role from predecessor Adrian Christie, which now includes stakeholder engagement and government relations and reports directly to Foxtel Group CEO Patrick Delany. The appointment will also see corporate and consumer communications being brought back together under a single leadership structure.

In an internal announcement to staff, Delany said Walsh brings “strong relationships in media, government and across the sports industry, and a track record of operating at pace in high-profile, fast-moving organisations.”