Chris Wharton departs as Seven Perth boss

Chris Wharton, managing director of Channel Seven Perth is retiring, after some 22 years with the network.

Wharton joined the company in 1995 at Community Newspapers before becoming managing director of TW7 in 2000. He became managing director of West Australian Newspapers in 2008 and CEO of Seven West Media WA in 2011.

There has been recent speculation about his role with the company which Seven attributed to extended leave. In a statement Seven says after a discussion with Chairman Kerry Stokes, they agreed that it was ‘an appropriate time to retire.’

“After more than 20 years, it is with mixed emotions that I have made the decision to retire from Seven West Media. The company has been very good to me and my family. 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,” said Wharton.

Kerry Stokes said: “I am happy to advise that following today’s decision, Nick Varigos, Managing Director of recruitment firm Oppeus International, has commenced the process and will make recommendations in the coming weeks.”

Wharton will remain a Telethon Trustee, having been recognised with an AM in 2016.