Ryan Stokes takes reins as Southern Cross Media chair

SGH chief executive Ryan Stokes has been appointed chair of Australia’s biggest media group, Southern Cross Media.

The newly-merged business — which completed a $400 million tie-up with Seven West Media in late 2025 — revealed on Monday that Teresa Dyson had stepped down as non-executive chair and Mr Stokes would take up the post immediately.

Ms Dyson will remain as a non-executive director and now chair a new risk, regulatory and compliance committee established by the board.

Southern Cross said with the recent appointment of Rohan Lund as managing director and chief executive, and a new management structure and operating model now in place, the board was aligning its leadership with the next phase of integration and performance.

Seven West included the Seven television network, The West Australian, The Sunday Times, a suite of regional papers, and digital platforms thewest.com.au, Perth Now, The Nightly, 7plus, and The Game; which were brought under the same roof as Southern Cross’ Listnr, Hit Network and Triple M radio and audio brands.

Mr Stokes said with such a powerhouse platform of brands behind it, there was “a clear opportunity in front” of Southern Cross Media.

“The role we play to engage, inform and entertain our audiences, and to connect them with our customers, remains essential to the communities we serve,” he said.

“The board’s focus is clear, to give Rohan and the management team the strongest possible support to execute and to hold the company to delivering on that potential.

“The board is united on building a stronger, higher-performing group and on driving returns for all shareholders.”

Kerry Stokes’ private investment arm Australian Capital Equity last month purchased more than 14 million shares in Southern Cross to lift its stake in the business by a maximum allowed 3 per cent to 23 per cent.

Cathy O’Connor, lead independent director, said Ryan Stokes brought to the role, executive and media experience “and a strong record of delivery”.

“The independent directors have put arrangements in place to preserve the board’s independence, including an elected lead independent director, majority-independent board and committees, and independent chairs of the committees,” Ms O’Connor said.

“We are satisfied the board has the independence it needs for the phase ahead.”

Mr Lund last month said Southern Cross would pursue growth in digital markets following an 11 per cent rise in digital revenue to $320 million for 2025-26 financial year — the brightest spot in the company’s first results as a combined business.

“It’s a pretty big digital prize out there. It’s a $25 billion market and at the moment we’re (barely) scratching that,” he said.

He pointed to broadcasters in Europe, the US and UK that had active strategies commercialising content beyond their networks.