Nine Entertainment chair Catherine West steps down 18 months after taking the role, Peter Tonagh named
Catherine West has announced her resignation as chair of Nine Entertainment, less than 18 months into the role, with former ABC deputy chair Peter Tonagh set to take the helm in November.
West, who has been on Nine’s board since 2016, was appointed chair in June last year, taking over from Peter Costello and overseeing a major culture review at the media giant.
She will formally step down at Nine’s annual meeting on November 7.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Reflecting on her tenure, Ms West said it had been “a privilege” to be part of the leadership of the “iconic company”.
“I thank my colleagues on the board for their sound counsel and support.
“I also wanted to thank and acknowledge our CEO Matt Stanton and recognise his energy, strategic leadership and vision.”
After reports of bullying and sexual harassment at Nine, Ms West revealed early in her tenure that staff had been hesitant to come forward, leaving the board largely unaware of serious cultural issues.
“People didn’t trust those systems, and there was a severe imbalance of power,” Ms West said at the time.
She noted that while reported harassment rates were below the national media average, “one in five is still unacceptable.”
Ms West had also come under scrutiny over a $700,000 payment made to a witness in the Ben Roberts-Smith case.
The payment was intended to stop the witness from going public with allegations that Nine journalists had accessed Roberts-Smith’s private legal emails and to suppress damaging audio involving reporter Nick McKenzie.
Ms West has refused to comment on the board’s knowledge or approval of the payment, drawing criticism over Nine’s handling of the matter.
Mr Tonagh, who joined Nine’s board earlier this year, brings decades of experience in Australian media.
The former CEO of News Corp Australia and Foxtel, interim REA Group CEO, and current chairman of three other organisations, described his appointment as an “honour”.
“On behalf of the board, I thank Catherine for her leadership, guidance and commitment to Nine, which have been instrumental in positioning the company for sustainable success,” Mr Tonagh said.
“I will be working closely with the board and management to drive value for all shareholders over the long term.”
Nine will hold its annual general meeting on November 7.
Originally published as Nine Entertainment chair Catherine West steps down
