Southern Cross Media faces its third leadership change at the helm within six months of acquiring Seven West Media, one of Australia’s prominent media outlets. Heith Mackay-Cruise revealed plans to step down as chair on Monday.
Key Appointments and Turnover
The merged entity, encompassing Triple M, the Seven Network, and The West Australian, named Rohan Lund as chief executive in April. This follows rapid shifts in both board and executive roles.
Teresa Dyson steps up as chair-elect. She recently joined Southern Cross Media’s board after serving eight years on Seven West Media’s board.
Stokes Family Influence Persists
Kerry Stokes left Southern Cross Media’s board in February, yet his family holds a 20 percent stake. His son, Ryan Stokes, continues to serve on the board.
Mackay-Cruise, former chair of Southern Cross Media prior to the merger, assumed the role of executive chair following Jeff Howard’s departure from Seven West Media just six weeks into the takeover.
Shareholder Action
Sandon Capital, a shareholder in Southern Cross Media, filed a request last Friday to oust several directors, including Mackay-Cruise.