Just days after the retirement of Kerry Stokes as chairman, Southern Cross Media is sacking Jeff Howard as CEO, with immediate effect.
Southern Cross Media has dismissed Jeff Howard as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect.
The move comes just days after the retirement of Kerry Stokes from the board, succeeded by Heith Mackay-Cruise. Mr. Mackay-Cruise will now take on the role of interim executive chairman and all business unit and corporate service leaders will report to him.
John Kelly, who managed Southern Cross’ regional TV assets, will take on the role of Interim Chief Executive Officer – TV and Audio.
Jeff Howard was appointed CEO at Seven in December 2023, following James Warburton, who was previously Chief Financial Officer.
The shock move also comes a day before Howard was to present its financial results to the market.
In its announcement to the ASX, Southern Cross Media said: “The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Butterworth as Group Chief Financial Officer from today. Scott Butterworth will succeed Craig Haskins who, as previously announced to the ASX on January 7, 2026, will retire after a short transition period, with his last day being Friday, February 27, 2026.
“Mr John Kelly will take on the role of Interim Chief Executive Officer – TV and Audio. Mr Kelly’s responsibilities will include driving the integration of the TV and Audio assets.
“Toby Potter will take on the role of Chief Transformation Officer – TV and Audio, following a period as interim Chief Financial Officer for the company. Toby Potter has been part of SCA’s business for over a decade, including as Head of Commercial Finance and Head of Business Transformation.
“These changes are effective from Monday, February 23, 2026.”
Heith Mackay-Cruise, interim chairman of SCA, said: “As the company accelerates the execution of its strategy, SCA’s newly formed board of directors has decided that now is the right time to appoint new leadership to drive the Group forward and execute our plans.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Jeff for his efforts throughout the transition period, with the successful implementation of the Scheme of Arrangement and the creation of a market-leading, multi-platform media company now complete,” said Mr Mackay-Cruise.
“As CFO, Scott Butterworth has extensive experience in large-scale, multi-disciplinary leadership roles with a strong focus on customer engagement. He brings the right skills, transformational capabilities and proven track record to our business. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to welcome Scott and express our gratitude to Craig for his guidance during the recent transition period.
“The Board is confident in our team’s ability to apply the financial discipline and industry-leading expertise to increase Southern Cross Media Group’s scale and performance going forward,” said Mr Mackay-Cruise.
The company’s financial results for the first half of 2026 will be released to the ASX on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. An investor presentation will be held at 9am AEDT, attended by Mr Mackay-Cruise, Mr Potter and Mr Kelly.
The Board of Directors has appointed an executive search firm to conduct a global search for SCA’s next CEO.
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