Channel Nine executive producer John Walsh, who is ‘the man behind TV shows that have shaped Australia’, has farewelled his long-running television career after 31 years.
Walsh is the ‘legend’ behind successful shows such as Getaway, The Voice, and Married At First Sight Australia.
Current and former colleagues shared their tributes to Walsh on Thursday, announcing his exit on LinkedIn and revealing he will now work as a travel columnist for Nine.com.au.
‘Today at Nine we farewelled a legend. John Walsh is the man behind TV shows that have shaped Australia,’ wrote Digital Editorial Director Kerri Elstub.
‘From Getaway to launching The Voice, and almost a decade on the record-breaking roller-coaster that is Married At First Sight.
‘But while he is leaving TV behind, he is staying in the Nine family as a travel columnist for Nine.com.au. After more than two decades running Australia’s top TV travel show, he has some great stories to share.’
Elstub finished with: ‘Congrats on an incredible career JW and here’s to the next chapter.’
MAFS expert John Aiken took to the comments with his own heartfelt message, writing: ‘Wonderful man! So grateful for him.’
‘What an incredible career! Congratulations John Walsh and so pleased to have you onboard with 9Travel!’ said another colleague.
A third commented: ‘One of the best all rounders in TV. You’ll be sorely missed JW. Cheers, JAF.’
‘John Walsh you certainly are an absolute legend and a gentleman. I’ll never forget how kind and helpful you were to me when I first arrived in Sydney back in 2011. Wishing you all the best for this next chapter in your life!’ said one.
‘The best. Don’t know what I would have done without you John Walsh back in the day. Enjoy the next phase,’ someone else wrote, as another added: ‘John Walsh my former boss what a legend!’
Walsh has worked at Nine for 31 years, predominantly as a producer for some of the most successful Australian TV shows to come out of the network.
In December, Channel Nine star Catriona Rowntree revealed she even asked her boss for ‘permission’ to marry her husband James Pettit in 2008.
The veteran getaway presenter, 52, who shares sons Andrew, 14, and Charles, 12, with the executive producer, admitted she sought the advice of Walsh, who was her boss at the time, before tying the knot.
Her confession came as she shared a heartwarming tribute to Walsh on Instagram at the time as he bid a fond farewell to the long-running series Getaway after more than 30 years at the helm.
Sharing a series of photos from Walsh’s farewell party, Rowntree added an expansive tribute to her superior.
‘I love my Boss and I ain’t afraid to show it (his gorgeous wife Jenny is completely fine with this). With heavy hearts we bid farewell to the most amazing Captain of The Ship a TV Show could ask for,’ she began.
She added Walsh’s tenure as an executive producer for Getaway, as well as for such shows as Travel Guides and MAFS, had seen him ‘adored by all’.
‘This gentle giant is our calm in the storm, no doubt helped by the fact he’s a teetotaller and always has our backs,’ she said.
Rowntree added she owes her family to her former boss, admitting she asked Walsh’s permission to wed.
‘In fact I can thank him for my children (back down Legal Department) and the life I have today,’ she said.
‘When my farmer asked me to marry him, I didn’t say yes, I went to ask John’s permission, I feared I’d lose everything I’d built by leaving my home and head office.’
She continued: ‘But John said: “Treens, as long as you can get to an airport, I don’t care where you live!”‘
Her lengthy post continued, with Rowntree sharing how grateful she is for Walsh’s professionalism, friendship, and flexibility.
‘He was up for Work From Home long before Covid, ahead of his time, knowing that if you wanted to retain staff you liked, you had to be a little flexible,’ she said.
‘Hand on heart, I have so much to thank him for and just adore this man and his family so very much. Thank you John Walsh and Merry Christmas from Getaway! #bestbossever #farewell #officeparty.’