Catherine West to remain Nine chair as the search for a CEO continues
Catherine West will remain the Chair of Nine’s Board, however the search for a new CEO continues as the succession plan is still unclear.
Speaking to shareholders at Thursday morning’s annual general meeting, West said the Board’s recruitment progress for a new CEO is still underway, despite speculation that acting CEO, Matt Stanton, would land the gig permanently.
“While the Board is progressing a recruitment process to identify a new CEO, Matt Stanton has assumed the CEO’s role to ensure Nine does not lose any momentum in the business,” West said.
“Matt is an experienced media, FMCG and retail executive with a deep understanding of transformation programs and is the right choice to ensure stability and continuity for the Nine business and our people.
“The Board has empowered Matt to get on with the job and drive both the strategic and cultural transformations of Nine.”
West was re-elected to chair with just over four-fifth of shareholders voting in favour of her remaining as a director.
Nine also addressed its cultural review progress this week, prior to the AGM.
In an email sent to Nine staff on Thursday morning, Stanton advised that an “action plan” in response to the Intersection Report has been submitted to the Board.
The report – developed by independent consulting firm Intersection – uncovered “concerning levels of inappropriate workplace behaviours” at the media company. Abuse of authority and power, inequity, reports of bullying, harassment and more were all found to be prevalent within the media company.
Stanton will lead the program, alongside chief people officer Vanessa Morley, with regular reporting to the Board.
Stanton said the action plan will address the 22 recommendations made from the Intersection Report: “While our commitment to implementing the recommendations remains unwavering, the transformation of our culture is greater than just our response to the Intersection Report.
“Therefore, you’ll be hearing more about a number of cultural initiatives across the business and within divisions that will contribute to our overall culture uplift.”
At the annual general meeting, West said: “The Board and management are strongly focused on the response to the review and the acceleration of work underway to strengthen culture across the business.
“On behalf of the Board, I can assure you we will do what needs to be done.”
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Nathan Jolly is the Features Editor at Mumbrella. He joined the team in July, 2023.
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