21st Century Fox promoted Fox Networks Group Chair & CEO PETER RICE to president. He will "continue to serve in his Fox Networks Group role," in which he oversees Fox Broadcasting Company, Fox Sports, FX Networks, National Geographic, 20th Century Fox TV and Fox Networks Group Latin America, Europe and Asia. He has been in that post since '12 (DEADLINE, 9/6). ... Pro14 side Munster announced a management reshuffle with ENDA LYNCH taking up the role of head of enterprise while DOUG HOWLETT assumed the vacated role of head of commercial & marketing. Howlett has been "instrumental in developing the commercial portfolio for the province in his roles as corporate ambassador and commercial manager." Lynch will now "spearhead an exciting new business opportunity," the High Performance Leadership Programme, as head of enterprise (RUNNING RUGBY, 9/4). ... Pro14 side Leinster Rugby confirmed KEVIN QUINN as its new head of commercial & marketing. He takes over from PAUL DERMODY, who joined Horse Racing Ireland (RUNNING RUGBY, 9/7).
COACHES/MANAGERS: ALAIN GIRESSE resigned as coach of Mali's national men's football team on Thursday "after the country’s heavy defeat in World Cup qualification" last week effectively left it out of contention for a place at next year’s finals in Russia (REUTERS, 9/7). ... Super Netball League side NSW Swifts coach BRIONY AKLE signed a three-year deal to take charge of the club with which she won two championships as a player. Akle was unveiled as ROB WRIGHT's replacement on Thursday, "five weeks after the former coach stood down from the role for personal reasons" (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 9/7). ... NEIL LENNON signed an extension to his contract as Scottish Premiership side Hibernian manager, committing him to the club until '20. The 46-year-old won the Scottish Championship title in his first season in charge and the club sits sixth on its return to the top flight after four matches. He said, "I've made no secret of my enjoyment of my time at Easter Road and my desire to stay at Hibernian" (BBC, 9/7).
