Mark Beretta’s New Partner, Sunrise Exit & Army Service Update

For 22 years, Mark Beretta was the face of Australian mornings, a familiar presence bringing sports news to the Sunrise couch. But 2025 brought a dramatic change, and now the question on everyone’s mind isn’t just about his career. He’s out of his long-running TV role and into a new public chapter — one that includes a new relationship and a rediscovered focus on family.

Years on Sunrise: 22 · Age (2025): 58 · Army Rank: Major · Estimated Net Worth: $3-5 million

The table reveals a biography defined by public achievement and private change occurring in parallel.

Who is Mark Beretta’s new partner?

How old is Renata Hickson?

Mark Beretta’s new partner is Renata Hickson. The relationship became public in early 2025 when the pair were photographed together in Sydney, as reported by New Idea. While Beretta had previously hinted at a new companion — telling Now To Love that he “does have a friend at the moment” in a teaser to The Daily Telegraph — neither he nor Hickson has offered a formal public statement.

When did Mark Beretta start dating Renata?

The exact timeline of when Beretta began dating Renata Hickson remains unclear, according to New Idea. What is known: Beretta separated from his wife Rachel in 2024 after 22 years of marriage. The public sighting of the new couple occurred in early 2025, suggesting the relationship began after the separation was finalised.

The pattern: Beretta is protecting the privacy of those around him. His new partner’s background is largely unknown, and given that he kept his marriage details out of the tabloid spotlight for decades, this restraint is consistent with his public behaviour.

Has Mark Beretta left his wife?

When did Mark Beretta split from his wife?

Yes, Mark Beretta separated from his wife Rachel in 2024 after 22 years of marriage. The split was publicly confirmed by Beretta himself in a statement to 7NEWS, where he said the decision was reached “after a great deal of reflection” and that it was “best for us.” Beretta first met Rachel in 1999, and the couple married in 2001. They share two adult children, Ava and Dan, and have one grandchild named Arlo, as reported by Yahoo Lifestyle Australia.

Beretta emphasised that their children remained the priority during the separation, calling it an amicable process. His wife’s full name — beyond Rachel — has not been publicly disclosed.

Why did Mark leave Sunrise?

How long was Mark Beretta on Sunrise?

Mark Beretta announced his departure from Sunrise in early 2025 after 22 years with the program. According to Variety Australia, his final appearance was scheduled for Friday, 12 December 2025. Beretta joined the Seven Network in 2003 as the sports presenter and became one of the most recognisable faces on Australian breakfast television.

In his departure announcement, Beretta explained that family time had become more important after his father died of cancer and his mother was also undergoing treatment for the disease. He described the decision as “time for a new chapter,” according to the same Variety Australia report.

What this means: Beretta traded a secure, high-visibility role for the ability to be present for his family during a difficult time. It’s a personal calculus that few longtime TV personalities make publicly.

Was Mark Beretta in the army?

What rank did Mark Beretta hold in the army?

Yes, Mark Beretta served — and continues to serve — in the Australian Army Reserve. He joined in 2019 at age 53, according to an RSL NSW profile. He achieved the rank of Major and serves as a public affairs officer, as noted by The Cove, Australian Army. He commits approximately 100 days per year to reserve service, according to an Army interview on YouTube.

Beretta was also awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2019 for service to broadcast journalism and the community. The Army profile describes him as a popular sports presenter, author, engineer, 10-time Australian water ski champion, and marathon bike rider.

The pattern: Beretta’s military service adds a dimension rarely seen in TV personalities. Joining the reserves at 53 — an age when most people are slowing down — shows a commitment to public service beyond the television camera.

What happened to Mark Beretta from Sunrise?

What is Mark Beretta doing now?

Since leaving Sunrise, Mark Beretta has moved into a mix of ongoing media roles and speaking engagements. According to his profile on Saxton Speakers Bureau, he continues as a sports commentator and is available for corporate speaking events. His personal website, MarkBeretta.com.au, highlights his work as a keynote speaker, MC, and brand ambassador.

He also maintains his Army Reserve role and has spoken publicly about balancing a demanding civilian career with military service. In his personal life, he is now in a relationship with Renata Hickson and is focused on spending time with his family, including his two daughters and granddaughter Arlo.

What is Mark Beretta’s net worth?

Mark Beretta’s net worth is estimated to be between $3 million and $5 million, based on his 22-year career as a lead sports presenter on national television, his speaking engagements, and brand endorsement work. A precise figure is not publicly available, as Australian television salaries are generally not disclosed. For context, his Saxton Speakers Bureau profile indicates he is a high-demand speaker, which contributes to his income stream.

The implication: The $3-5 million estimate reflects a long career at a top-rated network rather than extraordinary wealth. Beretta’s post-Sunrise income is likely more diversified — speaker fees, commentary work, and brand partnerships — but still not enough to suggest independent riches. He is solidly comfortable, not wealthy by celebrity standards.

“It’s been an incredible 22 years, but it’s time for a new chapter.”

— Mark Beretta, on his Sunrise departure, reported by Variety Australia

“Beretta is a popular sports presenter, author, engineer, 10-time Australian water ski champion, and marathon bike rider.”

— The Cove, Australian Army, describing his diverse background

Mark Beretta’s story in 2025 is about dual transitions: leaving a 22-year television career and entering a new public relationship while remaining committed to his family and military service. For Australian TV viewers, the departure of a familiar face from their morning routine is one thing. But for Beretta, the decision was about something deeper: recalibrating his life after personal loss and change. For audiences following his story, the lesson is that even the most stable-seeming public careers can pivot when family and personal priorities shift.