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Thumbs up for James Warburton

Media buyers are agreed on the track record of James Warburton, yesterday appointed as TEN's new CEO.

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Media buyers are agreed on the track record of James Warburton, yesterday appointed as TEN’s new CEO.

“He’s been very good at selling the Seven Network and getting it a greater revenue share than its audience share,” GroupM chairman John Steedman said.

OMD managing partner Peter Horgan said Warburton was “very driven, with a clear and well-articulated vision for what he wants to get done”.

BBY analyst Mark McDonnell agreed: “Warburton is the logical appointment to head the channel as somebody who has strong credentials within Australian TV.”

“He’s the best in class in the ad sales space,” another source said.

Seven boss David Leckie said he was sorry to lose him. Director of News and Current Affairs Peter Meakin also spoke highly of him.

But Warburton’s frustration at the lack of a clear succession path at Seven is believed to have been pivotal to his decision making.

There was conflicting speculation yesterday over whether Seven had had the opportunity to make a counter-offer to Warburton.

Now attention swings back to James Packer, who quit the board amid speculation he did not support Warburton’s appointment. He still retains 9% shares but without a board chair may sell.

James Warburton is believed to have been out of the Seven inner circle since yesterday afternoon. He assumes the new role in mid-July.

TEN is already making changes to its scheduling, reinstating TEN News at Five on the weekend.

Source: Herald Sun, The Australian

4 Responses

  2. I hope James Warburton does not turn TEN into 7 lite. If he is as good as his former collegues at 7 have mentioned then it is possibly a good aquisition but if he isnt as good then TEN is in more trouble heading into the future then previously thought. Its one thing to get more media buys and yes that will help TEN’s financial plight at least in the short term but if the programing is not fixed and steadied then this new appointment will not make any difference at all.

  4. According to ABC AM Packer has a cozy, albiet odd agreement with Kerry Stokes, to not poach each other’s staff. In deference to his agreement with Kerry Stokes Packer decided to take a walk from the TEN board.
    He may not get into his TEN office until July but he’ll no doubt be making some “suggestions” to TEN management from yesterday.

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