Seven West Media boss James Warburton steps down – as his replacement is revealed

Seven West Media CEO and managing director James Warburton will step down from his role after his successor was announced.

The media company said on Thursday that Mr Warburton said he would step down from the role by the end of the 2023-24 financial year after its flagship Channel Seven manages its third consecutive year of leadership as Australia’s number one TV network.

CFO Jeff Howard has been tapped to take the reins when his predecessor departs sometime in the first half of 2024.

Seven West Media Chairman Kerry Stokes thanked Mr Warburton for his energy, enthusiasm and outstanding contribution to the role.

Seven West Media CEO James Warburton (right) will step down from the top job in 2024. He is pictured with chairman Kerry Stokes (left).

“James came to SWM at a difficult time and has made tremendous progress in restoring Seven’s ratings, strengthening the balance sheet and preparing Seven for future success.”

Mr Warburton joined Seven West Media in 2019, having previously worked at Seven from 2003 to 2011.

He then took over at rival network Channel Ten, where he was sacked in 2013 after just over a year in the senior role.

Mr Warburton then spent four years as an executive at V8 Supercars.

He said it was time for Seven West Media to take the next step forward with an “exceptionally talented team”.

“The significant improvement in the balance sheet and digital revenues, supported by long-term rights to AFL, cricket television and streaming, and the acquisition of Prime have positioned the company for a very strong future,” Mr Warburton said.

“I have spent over 15 years of my professional life working at Seven (over two stints) and I would like to thank Kerry and Ryan Stokes, the other directors and our major shareholders for this wonderful opportunity and their support.”

“While I look forward to the next chapter in my career, I am confident that I am leaving Seven West Media in good hands.”

Outgoing Seven West media manager James Warburton (pictured) previously headed V8 Supercars for four years.

Mr Warburton promised a smooth transition to his successor, who has served as finance director for almost four years.

As we look to the next stage of growth in an ever-changing industry, we are focused on continuing to create great content to become Australia’s most connected news, sport and entertainment brand, while driving shareholder value,” Mr Howard said.

“Our strategy of creating and engaging with premium audiences across all SWM platforms will remain at the forefront of everything we do.”

The shock announcement comes days after Seven ended its 2023 official ratings year as Australia’s most-watched broadcaster for the third year in a row.

Seven recorded its second-largest audience share ever – and its best share in five years – thanks to the huge success of SAS Australia, My Kitchen Rules, Farmer Wants a Wife and Dancing With The Stars, which saw audience growth in 2023.

James Warburton led the company’s flagship Channel Seven operations as Australia’s number one television network for the third year in a row.