FORMER Supercars supremo James Warburton is stepping down as managing director and CEO of Seven West Media.
Warburton was CEO of Supercars for a four-plus year period from 2013-17 before departing for a role with APN Outdoor.
He then took the reins at Seven in 2019, following which he oversaw a five-year deal (2021-25) to return the network as the free-to-air home of Supercars.
Two years remain in that arrangement, while Seven has also recently picked up the broadcast rights for the Shannons SpeedSeries.
Jeff Howard will take over as Seven’s MD/CEO on or before June 30, 2024.
“It has been an incredible journey at SWM and with an exceptionally talented team in place, the time is right for the company to take the next step,” said Warburton.
“I take great pride in the transformation of SWM in recent years and its position as the leader in total TV in both ratings and revenue.
“A significant improvement in the balance sheet and digital earnings, underpinned by long-term AFL and cricket TV and streaming rights, and the acquisition of Prime have given the company a very strong future.
“I’ve now spent more than 15 years of my professional life working for Seven (in two stints) and I’d like to thank Kerry and Ryan Stokes, the other Directors and our major shareholders for the wonderful opportunity and their support.
“Jeff is an extremely talented leader and the transition to him will be seamless. I can’t think of a better person to lead the best media executive team in the business.
“While I look forward to the next chapter in my career, I am confident I am leaving SWM in excellent hands.”
