Sunrise hosts Nat Barr and David Koch farewell show's executive producer Michael Pell

The Seven Network has announced that Sunrise's longtime executive producer Michael Pell, will be leaving the show next month for a new role in Los Angeles.

After 11 years at the helm of the breakfast program, Pell has been appointed to the new role of Senior Vice President, Entertainment Content, North America, based in the US.

Following the announcement, Sunrise hosts Natalie Barr and David Koch shared gushing tributes to their colleague, with Nat saying working with Michael had been a "highlight" of her career.

"Wherever I’ve been in the world – a flood zone, a bushfire, an international terror attack, the front lawn of The White House – he’s been the voice in my ear helping me through," Nat said in a statement.

"We’ve achieved some fantastic success over many years, and he’s built a strong team.

"Michael is a good friend and I’ll miss him dearly, but I know he’s looking forward to an exciting new challenge in the US with Seven and we wish him every success."

Kochie echoed her sentiment, saying: "Sunrise has seamlessly transitioned through numerous key personnel changes over the years, which is a huge testament to the depth of the entire Sunrise team. We are all proud of what Michael has achieved and wish him the very best."

Michael will take up his new role in April, reporting to Seven West Media Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, James Warburton, and working with Seven’s Chief Content Officer, Entertainment Programming, Angus Ross, and the content team.

He has been Executive Producer of Australia’s #1 breakfast show, Sunrise, since November 2010 and Weekend Sunrise since March 2009.

In a statement of his own, Michael said that he was “extraordinarily proud” of his achievements at Sunrise.

“The program is in great shape, and I have no doubt Kochie and Nat will continue to dominate the landscape,” he said.

Sean Power takes on the role of Executive Producer of Sunrise

The Network has since announced significant changes to the structure of its morning television operations.

Sarah Stinson has been appointed to the newly-created role of Director of Morning Television, taking on management responsibility for breakfast and morning programs, Sunrise, Weekend Sunrise and The Morning Show.

Sean Power takes on the role of Executive Producer of Sunrise, while Chloe Flynn, currently Managing Editor of The Morning Show, steps into the role of Executive Producer.

Commenting on the new appointments, Network Director of News and Public Affairs, Craig McPherson, said: “Sarah is the key appointment for this crucial role as we continue to expand and evolve our operations. Her career has been a catalogue of success, mostly driven by her relentless drive to put the audience and her team ahead of everything else.

“The teams Sarah will lead are the best in the business, both on air and off air, and I’m extremely confident they will thrive under her guidance, adding to Seven’s dominance of the breakfast and morning TV landscape every day of the week.

“Sean is an extraordinarily creative and talented television producer. He’s worked across just about every sector of news and public affairs, earning accolades and awards everywhere he’s been. A fierce competitor and passionate leader, I’m excited about the future with him working with Sarah and the supreme Sunrise team,” he said.

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