March 3, 2021
UOW alumnus appointed CEO of Nine Entertainment Co
Mike Sneesby climbs entertainment ladder after successfully heading up Stan
UOW alumnus Mike Sneesby has been promoted to lead Nine Entertainment’s business as CEO.
Prior to his appointment, Mr Sneesby has been Founder and CEO of Stan Entertainment – one of Australia’s most popular streaming services– for seven years, now owned by Nine Entertainment Co.
Mr Sneesby graduated from UOW studying Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical Engineering) in 1996, and always had an entrepreneurial and a visionary mindset.
In 2019, he was awarded UOW’s Alumni Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship for turning an idea into a multi-million dollar video streaming business, Stan which he founded in 2015. His association with UOW goes beyond that and provides invaluable industry insights and expertise as a member of the Faculty of Business and Law, Business Advisory Board.
Mr Sneesby and his team built every part of the business from scratch, from the technology platform to the content strategy and deals, market positioning and launch.
“Stan has established itself as a clear leading local player in the market and as one of the world’s most successful independent streaming companies. That’s made us an attractive partner for the major Hollywood studios, but also allowed us to invest at enough scale in our own local content – a key differentiator for our brand and something we’re extremely proud of.”
Last year, Stan’s estimated business value was between $500 million and $1 billion with 2.7 million active subscribers. He and his team turned this highly-competitive business into profitability within five years of its inception.
Mr Sneesby brought Nine Entertainment and Fairfax Media into a joint venture, securing a $100-million joint venture investment, which further led Stan on a remarkable grown trajectory.
“Having enjoyed a diverse career in telecommunications and media in Australia and overseas, I came into this venture in the fortunate position of being able to do this not for a job, but because it was something I truly believed in,” Mr Sneesby said.
“Passion for the journey comes through in everything we do; sharing the adventure is one of our core company values. If we’re all here for the right reasons and with the right mindset, we can all be part of something incredible.”
For entrepreneurs starting up, Mr Sneesby says “test the water amongst other things and find out what you love and are passionate about and give yourself the opportunity to discover great things you can be entrepreneurial with.”
His business acumen and the willingness to get things done is nothing short of a great entrepreneurial story that needs to be celebrated and learned from.
Mr Sneesby’s journey is an inspiration to many students and aspiring entrepreneurs wanting to make a difference through skills, hard work and innovation.