Karl Stefanovic’s departure from Today may have marked the end of an era at Nine, but behind the scenes another key figure has quietly been shaping the television veteran’s next chapter.As the former breakfast TV king builds his fast-growing podcast empire, media executive Keshnee ‘Kesh’ Kemp has emerged as one of the driving forces behind his reinvention, with the pair already eyeing ambitious plans beyond the digital space.According to New Idea, insiders believe Karl’s hit podcast is only the beginning of a much bigger strategy.’If you think a hit podcast is the end game, I assure you, we’ve seen nothing yet,’ an industry source told the publication.The magazine reports that Kemp is helping map out the next phase of Karl’s media career, with discussions understood to include expanding his brand through live events and other commercial opportunities.It’s a development that could prove significant for Nine, with Karl now free to grow his independent media business after ending his 21-year association with the network. Karl Stefanovic’s departure from Today may have marked the end of an era at Nine, but behind the scenes another key figure has quietly been shaping the television veteran’s next chapter. Pictured: Karl Stefanovic Media executive Keshnee ‘Kesh’ Kemp (rught) has emerged as one of the driving forces behind his reinvention, with the pair already eyeing ambitious plans beyond the digital spaceKemp is far more than Karl’s podcast producer.She is the founder of digital marketing agency August One and has spent years building an impressive career across Australia’s media landscape, previously holding senior editorial positions at Cosmopolitan Australia and Who magazine.Corporate records also reveal just how closely the two families are now linked in business.Karl owns 45 per cent of his media company, 123 Podcast Pty Ltd, while another 45 per cent is owned by August 1 Pty Ltd, the company controlled by Kemp’s husband, businessman Jason Ibrahim.The remaining 10 per cent belongs to Karl’s longtime friend and business partner Anthony Bell through Bell Capital.But Kemp’s relationship with the Stefanovics stretches back much further than the launch of Karl’s podcast.She and Jasmine Stefanovic grew up together in Queensland and have remained close friends for decades.During her time editing Cosmopolitan Australia, Kemp regularly featured Jasmine’s shoe label Mara & Mine in the magazine’s fashion pages. Kemp’s relationship with the Stefanovics stretches back much further than the launch of Karl’s podcast. She and Karl’s wife Jasmine (right) grew up together in Queensland and have remained close friends for decades Kemp is helping map out the next phase of Karl’s media career, with discussions understood to include expanding his brand through live events and other commercial opportunities She later secured one of Australian publishing’s biggest celebrity exclusives after negotiating the rights to Karl and Jasmine’s lavish 2018 wedding in Los Cabos for the cover of Who magazine.Writing the cover story herself, Kemp revealed she had known Jasmine and her family since childhood after the pair grew up together in Queensland.According to New Idea, media insiders have long regarded Kemp as a savvy operator with a talent for brokering high-profile deals and building influential industry relationships.Those skills are now being channelled into Karl’s growing digital business.Earlier this year, Kemp explained why she believes podcasting allows public figures to connect directly with audiences without relying on traditional media.’Digital has changed how you can control the narrative in a way that feels honest. We can come out and make sure that people have the truth,’ she said.The pair’s working relationship has become an around-the-clock operation as they continue developing Karl’s new media brand.’All day, every day, literally,’ Kemp previously said when asked how often they discuss work.New Idea also reports Kemp is expected to continue expanding her digital media business, with industry insiders suggesting she could look to partner with more high-profile television personalities in the future.With Karl no longer tied to Nine, his media empire appears to be only just getting started, and at the centre of it all is one of Australia’s most well-connected media executives.Daily Mail Australia has contacted Keshnee Kemp for comment.