Patrick Walker is to step down as chief executive of digital video business Rightster after just nine months in the role.
Walker, a former senior director of YouTube’s EMEA operation, is to move into a non-executive director role. Ashley MacKenzie, the son of former Sun editor Kelvin, has been brought back as the new proposed chief executive.
MacKenzie had run rival video service Base79, which was acquired by Rightster in July last year in a deal worth as much as £50m.
Earlier this month Rightster announced that it was conducting a strategic review that will consider all options, including partnership, acquisition or a sale of the business.
“Much has been achieved by the management team since January and I’m hugely excited to be rejoining my colleagues at Rightster,” said MacKenzie. “I look forward to reporting back in the coming months with the results of the strategic review to strengthen the company and deliver value to shareholders.”
Former Emap chairman Robin Miller has been named non-executive chairman and Mark Cranmer, the former chief executive of Dentsu Aegis digital network Isobar, has been named non-executive director. Former Base79 co-founder Richard Mansell is also being brought back to the company as chief operating officer.
“I am proud of what the team has achieved over the last nine months since joining the board,” said Walker. “We have accomplished a successful restructuring and significant cost savings and I believe the business is in good shape to be taken forward by the proposed new management team. I thank the outgoing directors for their support and guidance over the last two years and remain enthusiastic about the future prospects of the business.”
