NOVA Entertainment’s Mark Downes has passed away

Former Assistant Editor

Mark Downes has tragically and suddenly passed away.

A statement given today by NOVA Entertainment confirmed that chief technology officer Downes died of heart failure late yesterday.

“We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the sudden passing of NOVA Entertainment’s chief technology Officer, Mark Downes, due to heart failure,” said NOVA Entertainment chief executive officer Cathy O’Connor told Radio Today.

“For the past seven years, Mark has led the technology and infrastructure initiatives at our Company and played a key role in industry technological developments as an active Board Member of Commercial Radio Australia.

“Mark will be sorely missed and our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to Mark’s wife Brenda and his two children Lincoln and Ainsley, at this most difficult time.”

Mark had been in his role of chief technology officer at NOVA Entertainment since 2011.

He previously held the position of national technology manager at Southern Cross Austereo, chief executive officer at Elaine Education, as well as various roles at Sky Channel.

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Dan Chalmers
29 May 2018 - 6:16 pm

So incredibly saddened to hear of Mark’s sudden passing. I worked with him for a few years and have known him for may more. A truly lovely man gone way too soon. Thoughts with Brenda and the kids.

Desmond DeCean
1 Jun 2018 - 4:34 pm

I like so many, was stunned a few days ago to learn of the sudden passing of Mark Downes.
I first met Mark when Austereo appointed him to become my replacement at Austereo as I was approaching retirement. Mark embraced radio and the Austereo culture from day 1 and quickly started introducing systems and changes from the extensive knowledge he had gathered working in television prior to joining Austereo.
Mark was a people person. A great communicator and a carer and nurturer of all on his team.
Mark later moved on from Austereo and ultimately finished up as Chief Technology Officer at Nova Entertainment. The many comments that have been posted in the last few days are a testament to the warm and supportive relationships that he built with all fellow work colleagues.
The loss of Mark and his leadership and team building skills will be sadly missed by all who have known him. My heartfelt condolences go out to Marks wife and children
Des DeCean

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