Prime Media Chairman John Hartigan Announces Retirement
John Hartigan has announced he will retire at the end of the year after almost five years as non-executive chairman of Prime Media Group.
Speaking to shareholders at the company’s annual general meeting yesterday, Hartigan revealed his intention to retire in the New Year.
“After almost five years as chair and with the supply agreement [with Seven West Media] locked in, I believe it is the right time to deliver a smooth transition to new leadership,” he said.
“It has been a privilege to chair Prime during a period of significant period of challenge and change.”
Over the coming months, Hartigan said Prime’s nomination and remuneration committee “will lead the renewal process to ensure the best candidates are available to lead Prime through the challenges being faced by regional free-to-air television”.
Speaking to The Australian, Hartigan – who was also once the boss of News Corp – ruled out vying for the vacant chair role at the ABC.
“Look, I’ve had a lot of time for the pursuits and the role that the ABC plays,” he said.
“Having said that, call me Billy, not silly — I’m an old journo, not a magician, and having looked at the calibre of some of the people who have chaired the ABC in the past without hitting the sweet spot, it’s a reach too far for me.”
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