Seven West Media chairman Kerry Stokes has announced that the group’s CEO for Western Australia, Chris Wharton, is hanging up the boots.
Stokes acknowledged Wharton’s 20-plus years of continuous contribution to Seven West Media in a statement.
Wharton started working at Seven West Media in 1995 with its community newspapers before going on to become managing director at Channel Seven Perth in 2000.
Wharton then became managing director of West Australian Newspapers in 2008 and CEO of Seven West Media WA in 2011.
Late last year, Wharton took the opportunity to take some extended leave and, after a discussion with Stokes, agreed that it was an appropriate time to retire, according to the statement.
“Wharton will remain a Telethon Trustee and remains committed to the Perth community for which he was recognised with an AM in 2016,” the statement read.
Commenting on his resignation, Wharton said he was leaving Seven West Media with mixed emotions.
“The company has been very good to me and my family,” he said.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with many wonderful people and I’ll miss them.
“I am delighted to have the privilege to remain a Telethon Trustee,” he added.
Stokes said Nick Varigos, managing director of recruitment firm Oppeus International, has commenced the scouting process for Wharton’s and will make recommendations in the coming weeks.
