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Tim Worner appointed CEO of Seven Network

Seven officially confirms Tim Worner, currently Head of Programming and Production, as successor to David Leckie.

Tim Worner, Seven’s Director of Programming and Production, has been officially appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Seven Network Television.

He will succeed David Leckie who remains as Chief Executive Officer of parent group Seven West Media.

The move had been widely tipped by industry following Worner’s year leading Seven’s stellar ratings performance and recently completing a 6 week course in Executive Business in the USA.

Worner will now be directly responsible for the management of the entire Seven Network Television business, within Seven West Media.

Tim Worner (pictured, left) began his career as a reporter with Seven News in Perth, producing Sport for Seven, in particular AFL, before becoming Head of Production. He was appointed Director of Programming and Production in late 2002.

Seven West Media Chairman Kerry Stokes, said: “We are delighted that Tim has accepted this role. He is an outstanding executive and has played a key role in Seven’s success. Tim’s intimate knowledge of programming and production provide him with the experience to ensure Seven’s continuing success.”

David Leckie said: “This company has come a long way over the past eight years. We have the best performing media businesses and great management. We’re looking forward to driving home our leadership and further building our businesses. Tim’s the best in the business and has built a great team. He’ll be terrific in his new role as CEO of Television for Seven West Media and I am looking forward to working with him to continue our group’s success.”

Tim Worner added: “I am honoured to be asked to lead the talented and committed group of people which makes up the Seven Network. It is a group which has delivered such an outstanding result this year. I look forward to working with David to ensure that we build on the momentum we’ve got going. We are finalising our plan for 2012 and the very clear aim is to maintain our position as the most attractive and best-performing media brand in Australia.”

The always-robust David Leckie had denied he would be leaving the CEO role for many months, but industry had observed the expansion of Seven West Media as indicative of executive change.

The appointment will also see Worner go head to head with former Seven exec James Warburton who begins as CEO of the TEN Network on January 1st.

TV Tonight understands the promotion for Worner will likely mean his current role will be divided in two with Angus Ross, Head of Scheduling, Acquisitions & Programming to take charge of Programming and Brad Lyons, Head of Production to assume sole responsibility of Production.

15 Responses

  1. I still havent forgiven him for pulling the plug on all saints and the way he treated city homicide.

    But I guess he did something right this year. But Tim stop messing around with Packed to the Rafters.

  2. @tmorgan96

    You’re dreaming. Not going to happen. Nine are going to fall flat on their face yet again. They are in financial ruin and well i don’t think their lineup of shows is much difference from this year so i see no difference in 2012 except for the Olympics.

    On topic here Worner is going to do a great job. He deserves it and well I think Seven will continue to move forward and show everyone how its done. Do i want competition? Sure i do but i don’t see it really. Nine can go one of two ways. Thats hitville or flopville. It all depends on how people take to the reality crap they are putting out.

  3. I agree with you Number1. I have been calling for a national news bulletin at 6:30 for a while now. However, I say axe TT and leave DoND where it is.
    I, for one, hope Nine thrash Seven in 2012. Bring back ‘Still the One.’

  4. Well that’s a huge surprise! After James Warbuton left who else was there? I hope he’s brave enough to take the big risks that deliver the big rewards – it takes real courage. Glad to see generational change – Leckie is such a dinosaur. Also great to see Julie McGauran (a woman!) appointed as Head of Drama. These moves could make Seven streak way ahead while Nine just don’t get the modern audience – stuck in a misogynistic anachronistic past wondering what happened.

  5. If anyone deserves this role, it is Tim Worner. He is a truly inspirational, intelligent, passionate and much-admired leader. He has lifted Seven into first place and commands respect.

    Well done Tim. The Seven ship is in very good hands.

  6. i have listened to him on some mediaweek podcasts, seems like a good guy, really cares about the network and tv. a good choice. athough i will miss Leckies colourful outbursts.

  7. @Dave, I agree, And I hope 9 don’t. I would like to see some good change at Seven though as far as news and current affairs. Maybe a National Nightly News;
    4-5 – Afternoon news
    5-5:30-Deal or No Deal (Which needs an overhaul)
    5:30-6pm-Today Tonight
    6pm-6:30 – Normal 6pm Bulliton (2 presenters in each state)
    6:30- Seven Nightly News

    Just a thought.

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