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

Seven West Media chief executive and managing director James Warburton will step down from the top job on a high note, as his successor was announced.

The media company announced on Thursday that Mr Warburton has advised he will leave his role by the end of the 2023-2024 financial year after steering its flagship Channel Seven business to a third consecutive year as the country's number one TV network Australia.

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Howard has been appointed to take over when his predecessor leaves 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.

James Warburton, CEO of Seven West Media (right), will leave his top role in 2024. He is pictured with chairman Kerry Stokes (left)

'James joined SWM at a difficult time and has been hugely successful in reviving Seven's ratings, strengthening its balance sheet and setting Seven up for future success,'

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

He then moved to rival network Channel Ten, where he was sacked by the board in 2013 after just over a year in the top job.

Mr Warburton then served a four-year stint as V8 Supercars boss.

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

“A significant improvement in balance sheet and digital revenues, supported by long-standing AFL and cricket TV and streaming rights, and the acquisition of Prime have given the company a very strong future,” Warburton said.

'I have now spent more than 15 years of my professional life working for Seven (in two spells) and I would like to thank Kerry and Ryan Stokes, the other directors and our major shareholders for the 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 excellent hands.”

Outgoing Seven West media boss James Warburton (pictured) previously spent four years at the helm of V8 Supercars

Mr Warburton promised a seamless transition to his successor, who has held the role of Chief Financial Officer for almost four years.

As we look to the next phase of growth in an ever-changing industry, our focus is on continuing to create great content to be the most connected news, sports and entertainment brand in Australia, while creating value for shareholders,” said Mr. Howard.

“Our strategy of driving premium audiences and engagement across all of SWM's platforms will continue to be at the forefront of everything we do.”

The shock announcement comes days after Seven ended its official 2023 rating year as the most watched TV network across Australia for the third year in a row.

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

James Warburton led the company's flagship Channel Seven business to a third consecutive year as Australia's number one TV network.