Whisper makes a noise with Aussie hires

Sean Fitzpatrick

Sony-backed UK sports and unscripted producer Whisper has hired former Sky Sports UK presenter James Gemmell and former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick as it looks to expand its sport production in Australasia.

Fitzpatrick will join Whisper Group’s advisory board while Gemmell has been appointed as executive lead for Australasia.

Gemmell will handle Whisper’s growing relationship with broadcaster Spark Sport as well as working on new business opportunities across Australasia.

He presented rugby during his 12 years at Sky Sports UK, including northern hemisphere internationals, the European Champions Cup and Rugby Championship in the southern hemisphere. He also worked as a producer and presented the 2019 Rugby World Cup for Spark Sport, working with its head, Jeff Latch.

James Gemmell

Fitzpatrick, meanwhile, will take on an advisory role and help Whisper to develop its presence in Australasia with a focus on new business, while also spearheading its continued push into rugby. He captained the All Blacks 51 times and helped win the 1987 Rugby World Cup.

Sunil Patel, Whisper’s CEO, said: “Australasia includes many brilliant sport teams, series and heroes and it’s an exciting region to be moving into. We’re enjoying delivering with Spark Sport in New Zealand and are keen to develop this further. Having both James and Sean as part of the Whisper team, with their incredible talent, knowledge and connections, is a huge benefit and will help us with our ambitious plans.”