Jeff Howard steps down as CEO after SCA and SWM merger ushers in a new leadership era
- Jeff Howard has stepped down as CEO of Southern Cross Media Group with immediate effect following its completed merger
In a decisive move following the completion of a major Australian media merger, Jeff Howard has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer of Southern Cross Media Group with immediate effect. The departure comes just days after the company finalised its merger with Seven West Media, creating one of the country’s largest integrated television, radio, and digital media businesses.
The company confirmed the leadership change in a statement to the Australian Securities Exchange, noting that the newly formed board is seeking to accelerate its long-term strategic goals. Chairman Heith Mackay-Cruise has assumed an expanded role as Interim Executive Chairman while a global search begins for a permanent CEO.
Leadership shift signals strategic urgency
Howard’s departure marks the first major executive change since the merger was finalised. He had played a central role in guiding Southern Cross Media Group through the complex process of integration, including regulatory approvals and corporate restructuring.
In his statement, Mackay-Cruise acknowledged Howard’s contributions during the transition, particularly in executing the scheme of arrangement that enabled the merger.
The board’s decision to implement a leadership reset reflects the scale and urgency of integrating two major media organisations. The newly combined company now operates across television broadcasting, radio networks, streaming platforms, and digital publishing, significantly expanding its reach and commercial footprint.
Under the interim structure, all business unit leaders and corporate divisions now report directly to Mackay-Cruise, consolidating executive oversight during the transition period.
Merger creates one of Australia’s largest media networks
The merger between Southern Cross Media Group and Seven West Media represents a major consolidation within Australia’s media sector. Both companies have historically been dominant players in separate but complementary segments.
Southern Cross Media Group operates major national radio brands such as Triple M and the Hit Network. According to its 2025 annual report, SCA reaches approximately 95 percent of the Australian population through its radio and digital assets.
Seven West Media, meanwhile, owns the Seven Network, Australia’s most-watched free-to-air television network in multiple recent ratings years, along with its streaming platform 7plus and publishing assets including The West Australian newspaper.
Together, the combined organisation now has significant scale across multiple media channels.
Combined Media Operations Overview
| Category | Southern Cross Media Group | Seven West Media | Combined Scale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radio stations | Approx. 99 stations nationwide | Limited radio operations | Dominant national radio footprint |
| Television reach | Regional broadcast coverage | National Seven Network coverage | Near-universal national TV reach |
| Digital platforms | LiSTNR audio platform | 7plus streaming platform | Integrated audio and video streaming ecosystem |
| Audience reach | 95 percent of Australian population | Millions of daily TV viewers | One of Australia’s largest total audience bases |
| Core revenue streams | Advertising, audio streaming | Advertising, TV rights, publishing | Diversified media revenue portfolio |
Source: Southern Cross Media Group Annual Report 2025
Source: Seven West Media Corporate Overview and Financial Reports
CFO transition reinforces financial restructuring
Alongside the CEO change, the company confirmed the appointment of Scott Butterworth as Chief Financial Officer, replacing Craig Haskins, who is retiring following a transition period.
Butterworth brings extensive experience managing financial operations in large, multi-division organisations. The board emphasised his role in supporting operational efficiency and strengthening financial discipline during the integration process.
The company described the CFO appointment as a key step in stabilising executive leadership and ensuring continuity as it integrates assets, operations, and teams.
Interim executive team assigned key integration roles
The merger has also prompted additional leadership restructuring.
John Kelly has been appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer of Television and Audio, where he will oversee the integration of broadcast and audio operations. Meanwhile, Toby Potter has been named Chief Transformation Officer for Television and Audio, focusing on operational alignment and efficiency.
These appointments underline the company’s priority to unify operations across platforms, streamline costs, and maximise audience engagement.
Leadership Transition Chart
| Executive | Previous Role | New Role | Effective Date | Key Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeff Howard | CEO and Managing Director | Stepped down | February 2026 | Completed merger transition |
| Heith Mackay-Cruise | Chairman | Interim Executive Chairman | February 2026 | Oversees overall leadership and strategy |
| Scott Butterworth | Senior finance executive | Chief Financial Officer | February 2026 | Financial integration and cost management |
| Craig Haskins | Chief Financial Officer | Retiring | February 2026 | Transition support |
| John Kelly | Senior executive | Interim CEO, TV and Audio | February 2026 | Broadcast and audio integration |
| Toby Potter | Interim CFO | Chief Transformation Officer | February 2026 | Operational restructuring |
Board leadership evolves after Kerry Stokes departure
The leadership reshuffle follows the retirement of media veteran Kerry Stokes from the board on 20 February 2026. Stokes had played a pivotal role in Seven West Media’s growth over several decades, overseeing its evolution into one of Australia’s most influential media organisations.
His departure marked the end of an era and signalled a broader generational shift in leadership.
Mackay-Cruise’s expanded authority reflects the board’s determination to ensure continuity and stability while positioning the company for long-term growth.
Industry analysts view leadership reset as expected move
Media analysts have noted that leadership changes are common following major corporate mergers, particularly in industries undergoing structural transformation.
Australia’s media sector faces increasing competition from global streaming platforms such as Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video. Traditional broadcasters have responded by consolidating operations, investing in digital platforms, and expanding advertising capabilities.
The integration of television, radio, and digital media is expected to provide Southern Cross Media Group with improved cross-platform advertising opportunities and stronger negotiating power with advertisers.
According to industry data from Commercial Radio and Television Audience Measurement bodies, cross-platform advertising revenue has grown steadily in Australia, with digital audio and streaming television representing some of the fastest-growing segments.
CEO search expected to shape future direction
The board has appointed an executive search firm to conduct a global recruitment process for a permanent CEO. The appointment will be crucial in determining how the newly combined company navigates industry disruption and technological change.
The successful candidate will be expected to manage integration, strengthen digital platforms, and maintain advertising revenue growth amid changing audience behaviour.
In the meantime, Mackay-Cruise and the interim executive team will focus on operational alignment and delivering early results from the merger.
The company is scheduled to present its integration strategy and outlook to investors in late February 2026, outlining its roadmap for growth and efficiency.
