About

An ASX listed media company with a range of different assets including the major Australian free-to-air television channel Nine Network, Nine Entertainment is a historic organisation in the context of the Australian media landscape. Due to this reputation as well as a well-regulated and challenging business environment, the company’s internal legal support is required to be of an extremely high standard.

Rachel Launders – who joined Nine in 2015 as general counsel and company secretary – is commended for her work in leading the charge in this regard. Despite only assuming her position in 2015, Launders has over a decade of experience in advising on matters for the company, having been an external legal adviser to Nine as a partner at a major law firm. Some of the issues Launders played an important role in during this time included a number of strategic and defining transactions, including the IPO of the company and the acquisition of the Perth and Adelaide Nine stations, affiliate arrangements and major sports rights. Launders current remit encompasses all related issues including those related to governance, ASX and ASIC compliance and the management of a team of 10 lawyers. In addition to her outstanding knowledge of commercial and legal issues in the Australian media sector, Launders is a member of the board for Gateway Lifestyle, a company and unit trust listed on the ASX, as a non-executive director.

Gateway Lifestyle owns and operates manufactured home estates across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, providing affordable housing for over 50’s. Further proving her commitment to business and her ability to stay abreast of new market trends, she is also a fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia, and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.