A man described as one of Australian media acquisitions’ “best closers” is stepping down, leaving a significant void in the Nine Network.

Jeff Browne has resigned as managing director of Nine Network Australia after seven years of round-the-clock service, saying “this job has been 24-7 for many years now... there's a host of things I want to do.”

Reports say Mr Browne intends to take a month-long trip to Europe while mulling over offers he received since floating his departure from Nine. Insiders say Browne was prompted to leave after the network signed cricket and rugby deals and sold its magazine arm to Germany's Bauer. David Gyngell remains CEO, the man whose father was the first to appear on Australian television worked closely with Browne to see the network through some troubled times.

Recent big deals for Nine include winning the rights to international cricket broadcast, and an agreement to buy media mogul Bruce Gordon's WIN television stations in Adelaide and Perth - part of a $1.1 billion five-year deal for the broadcast rights to rugby league.

Mr Browne said he had had some tough times rebuilding the network when he first signed on, but is proud of his accomplishments and now ready to move on.