Seven West in Oz replaces CEO Tim Worner with James Warburton

James Warburton

Seven West Media (SWM), the Australian company behind the Seven Network, has appointed former Network Ten CEO James Warburton as its chief executive to replace the outgoing Tim Worner.

Worner stepped down with immediate effect yesterday after six years in his current role of CEO at SWM and more than 25 years with the company.

He was previously CEO of Seven Network and before that director of programming and production for the Aussie broadcaster, whose parent company has its full-year results next week. His next move is not yet known.

Warburton previously worked for Seven as chief sales officer until 2011, when he left to head up rival Network Ten, a role he held for just over a year.

He has also worked for motor racing franchise former Supercars as CEO and was most recently chief executive at advertising outfit APN Outdoor, a role he stepped down from last year.

Kerry Stokes, SWM chairman, described Worner as “a tireless leader,” adding that “all parties agree now is the time for change.”

Stokes added that Warburton’s “extensive experience in the industry with knowledge across media, advertising, sports administration, marketing and particularly sales” would “reinvigorate the team.”

Worner said: “It’s with mixed emotion that I tender my resignation; however Seven – a company I love – is a very different company now from the one I joined 25 years ago. It’s changed faster than ever in these last few years and that’s down to the hard work of the best team in the business.”