Ryan Stokes, chief executive of SGH, has been appointed the new chair of Southern Cross Media, Australia’s largest media conglomerate. The leadership transition follows the company’s significant $400 million merger with Seven West Media, which concluded in late 2025. Stokes expressed optimism about the company’s future, highlighting a “clear opportunity” for the newly integrated entity to continue its mission of informing and entertaining audiences.
Leadership Transition and Strategic Alignment
The announcement on Monday confirmed the departure of Teresa Dyson as non-executive chair, with Ryan Stokes assuming the chairmanship effective immediately. Dyson will continue her involvement with Southern Cross Media as a non-executive director and will lead a newly established risk, regulatory, and compliance committee. This move is part of a broader leadership alignment designed to support the company’s next phase of integration and performance enhancement.
Southern Cross Media’s board has been actively restructuring its leadership to coincide with the appointment of Rohan Lund as the new managing director and chief executive. A revised management structure and operating model are now in place, signaling a strategic pivot towards optimizing the combined entity’s capabilities.
A Powerhouse of Integrated Media Brands
The merger between Southern Cross Media and Seven West Media has created a formidable media powerhouse. The combined entity now encompasses a diverse portfolio of assets, including:
- The Seven television network
- Newspapers such as The West Australian and The Sunday Times
- A collection of regional publications
- Digital platforms including, Perth Now, and The Nightly
- Streaming services like 7plus and The Game
- Southern Cross’s established radio and audio brands: Listnr, Hit Network, and Triple M
This comprehensive suite of brands positions Southern Cross Media to engage audiences across multiple platforms and formats.
Stokes’ Vision for Growth and Shareholder Value
Ryan Stokes emphasized the significant potential stemming from this integrated platform. “The role we play to engage, inform and entertain our audiences, and to connect them with our customers, remains essential to the communities we serve,” he stated. He further outlined the board’s primary objective: to provide Rohan Lund and the management team with robust support to execute their strategies and unlock the company’s full potential.
“The board is united on building a stronger, higher-performing group and on driving returns for all shareholders,” Stokes added, underscoring a commitment to financial performance and operational excellence.
Board Independence and Governance
In light of the leadership changes and the expanded scope of the company, measures have been implemented to ensure the board’s continued independence. Cathy O’Connor, the lead independent director, highlighted these arrangements, which include the appointment of a lead independent director, a majority-independent board composition, and independent chairs for key committees. O’Connor expressed confidence that these measures adequately preserve the board’s independence for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Stokes’ appointment was supported by his extensive executive and media experience, along with a proven track record of successful execution, according to O’Connor.
Focus on Digital Expansion and Future Prospects
Rohan Lund recently indicated that Southern Cross Media intends to aggressively pursue growth in digital markets. This strategic focus comes as the company reported an 11% increase in digital revenue, reaching $320 million for the 2025-26 financial year. This digital segment represented the most robust performance in the company’s initial financial results since the merger.
Lund identified a substantial opportunity within the digital landscape, describing it as a “$25 billion market” where the company is currently making only minimal inroads. He drew parallels with international broadcasters in Europe, the US, and the UK that have successfully developed strategies for commercializing content beyond their traditional network offerings. This suggests a forward-looking approach aimed at diversifying revenue streams and capitalizing on emerging digital trends.
Shareholder Interest and Investment
Recent filings revealed that Australian Capital Equity, the private investment arm of Kerry Stokes, increased its stake in Southern Cross Media. The firm purchased over 14 million shares, raising its holding to 23%, the maximum permissible increase of 3% allowed within a short period. This substantial investment underscores confidence in the merged entity’s strategic direction and future profitability.
Conclusion: Navigating the Next Era
The appointment of Ryan Stokes as chair marks a significant moment for Southern Cross Media as it navigates its post-merger landscape. With a strengthened leadership team, a comprehensive portfolio of media assets, and a clear strategic focus on digital growth, the company is poised to consolidate its position as a leading Australian media group. The emphasis on governance, shareholder returns, and innovation signals a commitment to sustained performance and adaptation in a rapidly evolving media environment.
