We are saddened to hear of the passing of Gary Rice (SPC 1955-62) on 30 June 2025, the first and only person to become CEO of all three Australian TV networks.
In more recent times, Gary, aged 80, was the managing director and owner of various Sunshine Coast properties.
However, he is best remembered as the former managing director of Channels Nine, Seven and Ten. His passing was highlighted at the 2025 Logie Awards.
Gary was a day student at SPC, following in the footsteps of his father William (Bill) Joseph Rice (SPC 1935-37) and his grandfather George Francis Rice (SPC 1893), who was among SPC’s first intake of students. Gary started in fifth grade in 1955 and completed his matriculation studies in 1962. His brother Glen also attended SPC between 1955-64.
Gary was a College Prefect, a Cadet Under Officer and received the Second Royal Victorian Regiment Award for Most Efficient NCO in 1961. He was the Drum Major in cadets, was a solo performer at Speech Night and was known in music circles locally where he played flute, clarinet and saxophone.
Gary became the general manager of BTV6 Ballarat and Western Victoria for three years between 1977-80.
He became group general manager and later managing director of Associated Broadcasting Services, incorporating BTV Ballarat, GMV6 Shepparton, 3MP Melbourne, 3SR Shepparton and 3UL Warragul.
He moved to TCN9 Sydney as general manager; GTV9 Melbourne as managing director before becoming chairman of Media Niugini and QTQ9 Brisbane in the late 1980s.
In December 1988, Gary became managing director of Nine Network Australia, followed by managing director and CEO of Network Ten, Australian Radio Network (formerly Wesgo Limited) and then managing director and CEO of the Seven Network.
Gary then went on and ventured into management rights, successfully acquiring and managing various luxury properties on the Sunshine Coast.
His daughter Olivia Taylor Rice said her father “lived a full and successful life and was the first and only person to become CEO of all three Australian TV networks”.
If he wasn’t working, his passions lay within sport, including the AFL Geelong Cats, and music.
We extend our deepest condolences to Gary’s family, including his daughter Olivia and son Christopher, and his extended family, including sister Dianne Phillips, nephew Scott Phillips (SPC 1985-90) and grand nephews Lachlan (SPC 2012-17) and Mitchell Phillips (SPC 2014-19), who are fifth generation SPC students.
