Tim Worner Becomes CEO of Seven West Media

MELBOURNE: Tim Worner has been elevated to CEO of Seven West Media, effective July 1, replacing Don Voelte.

Worner is currently the CEO of broadcast television for Seven West Media, a role that he has held since 2011. He previously served as the director of programming and production at Seven Network. His new role sees him guiding the development of the diversified company across the Seven Network, The West Australian, Pacific Magazines and the company’s Yahoo!7 joint venture with Yahoo, Inc.

Though leaving the CEO role, Voelte will continue to be involved with the company as a director on the board. He has accepted the role of non-executive deputy chairman.

Worner said: “This is an exciting time for these businesses. There is no question we are undergoing rapid change in our marketplace and it is clear we must respond to the change. But we will do it knowing that these businesses are driven by passion and by people who really care about what they create each day. To be able to work even more closely with the best brands and the best people in their respective fields is a privilege. It’s a role I am both humbled and thrilled to take on.”

Kerry Stokes, the chairman on Seven West Media, commented: “We are delighted that Tim has accepted this role as chief executive officer of Seven West Media. He deserves it. He’s the right man for the job. He is an outstanding executive and has played a key role in Seven’s success. “Tim’s intimate knowledge of the creation of content provides him with the experience to ensure Seven West Media’s continuing success as the company evolves, grows and meets the challenges of a changing consumer market. On a personal note, I have known Tim from my first days as a shareholder in Seven. He has accepted and met every challenge put to him over the past eighteen years.

“At Seven West Media’s recent investor day, the company’s management team presented its strategies and approach to building our media and content businesses over the coming years. We are well-placed. Tim will be leading a great management team and guiding our strategy, our people and our products as we further build Seven West Media.”

Stokes added: “Twelve months ago, on behalf of our board, I asked Don Voelte, as one of our non-executive directors, to take on a most challenging role for our business. As managing director and chief executive officer of Seven West Media, he has made an outstanding contribution implementing some fundamental changes to ensure our company meets the demands of a rapidly changing media landscape. “Don has always been quite clear that his management role at Seven West Media was only for the short-term and that his job was to put in place the structures and people that allowed the company to meet the challenges of the future. He was honest. He was right on his timings. He has delivered. Don is an outstanding business executive and on behalf of the board, our people, and our shareholders, I thank him. Don will remain closely involved with Seven West Media and I look forward to his continuing role with the company.”

Voelte said: "Over the past twelve months, our management and all of our people have stepped up to the plate in a difficult market. We have made tremendous progress. We have the best brands and people in the media. And I know in Tim, we have the right man to lead Seven West Media.”