Stokes hints at stepping aside

Seven boss Kerry Stokes has given his strongest indication to date that he is considering stepping down from an executive role.

He said he was seriously considering stepping away from his managerial role in favour of a background chairman-style position.

“Yes I am considering it,” he said, hinting that any such move would likely take place within the next year or so.

“I am getting old,” the 67-year-old media boss said.

Stokes added that he was happy with the performance of the network, particularly given it had knocked Nine off its perch after many years. He defended Seven over its role in the recent Mercedes Corby court case, saying while it was a matter for executive Peter Meakin, the network “always stuck behind its journalists”.

His right hand man Peter Gammell has previously been tipped to replace him.

Stokes, who was honoured in Queen’s Birthday honours this week, remains keen to have a controlling interest in West Australian Newspapers.

Source: news.com.au