Downes led the network’s tech and infrastructure initiatives for six years.
NOVA Entertainment CEO Cathy O’Connor made the following statement to radioinfo today, following the sudden passing of CTO, Mark Downes:
“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.
“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.”
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