Ex-MTV boss Mark Fennessy announced as Creative Director for ARIA Awards

Lauded TV production executive Mark Fennessy, who is the former boss of MTV Australia and the CEO of Endemol Shine Australia, has been appointed Creative Director for the 30^th anniversary of the ARIA Awards. 

Fennessy is behind the Logie Award-winning INXS: Never Tear Us Apart telemovie, as well as top rating productions including The Voice, MasterChef and The Bachelor. He was also behind as well the launches of The Big Music Quiz and Australian Survivor.

The appointment for November’s Awards marks a homecoming of sorts, as Fennessey has produced many of the early ARIA Awards telecasts.

Mark Fennessy said in a statement: “One of the great joys in my career has been the close and passionate relationship with the world of music through countless television broadcasts, live concerts, feature specials and major events. It’s truly an honour to be invited back to celebrate Australia’s premier music event in its 30th year.”

Fennessey will work alongside long-time event producer Michael Long on the Awards, who has been working with ARIA for the Awards in some form or another for around 15 years.

Dan Rosen, chief executive officer of ARIA, said: “I look forward to working together with Mark and long-standing event producer Michael Long, to put on a truly stellar show packed with magic moments celebrating Australia’s music history over the last 30 years.” 

Denis Handlin AM, ARIA chairman, chairman and CEO of Sony Music Entertainment Australia and New Zealand, and president of Sony Music Entertainment Asia added: “ARIA and the whole music industry are delighted to welcome Mark back to the ARIAs team. Mark is a creative talent of the highest calibre who has an outstanding track record of TV production excellence and with him on board we are set to produce an incredible ARIAs show.”

ARIA will announce a range of TV and live events to celebrate the milestone.