Southern Cross Austereo Sales Director Martin Whittle to leave the company at the end of June

Martin Whittle (left), one of the industry’s truly great guys and one of finest media professionals ever to work in Australia, is leaving Southern Cross Austereo on June 28th.

Whittle (known as “Digger” to his good industry friends) is leaving for medical reasons.

He was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and it will become increasingly difficult for him to work at the level that he is used to and wants to.

He has been Sales Director at Austereo/Southern Cross Austereo for the past 22 years and has worked in the the advertising and media business the past 40 years.

Whittle has been an amazing contributor to the Perth industry over his career – he instigated and championed the long running $20,000 Radio Writers’ Award and has helped many people start and progress their careers and businesses in Western Australia. Whittle has many great friends in the industry who will all rally around and support him after he leaves the station.

Southern Cross Austereo General Manager Linda Wayman released this statement to station staff this morning:

“Martin and I have worked alongside each for one month short of 11 years and right from the word go Martin has generously shared with me his experience, his wisdom and his intelligence. Together we have taken risks, had countless wins, and had many many laughs. I can’t even begin to tell you how deeply I have appreciated Martin’s loyalty, his work ethic and his personal integrity.

“There will be a time for stories and celebrating Martin’s career, but just to give you an insight into what it is like to work with someone with whom you are in tune and who you trust completely, I remember when Lynsey McDonnell started working with us in the role of Finance Manager. After a few weeks in the job, she suddenly yelled at Martin and me: “Neither of you finish your sentences with each other. It’s like listening to another language. It’s alright for you two because you can clearly read each other’s mind but you have to finish your sentences so I can understand what you’re talking about.”

“The calibre of Martin’s work is without peer and there are many people in this organisation and beyond (myself included)  who owe Martin a great deal from his wise counsel and his confidence in them.

“The entire Perth media and advertising industry has huge respect for Martin. An example of this was a few years ago at the onset of the GFC, when Martin pulled all the top industry people together about the issue of consumer confidence. From those meetings the industry worked together to create a media campaign designed to generate confidence in our city and our State.

“This example demonstrates Martin’s creativity, his collaborative style and his ability to drive a big idea and make things happen.

“So it’s not only Southern Cross Austereo which has benefited greatly from his tireless dedication and brilliant talent in sales and management.

“It’s tough news. A lot tougher for Martin and his family than for us. Remember that and be strong. We will send him off in style, don’t you worry about that!”