David Leckie quits as Seven West Media CEO

David Leckie has quit as CEO of Seven West Media, Seven Network’s parent company, and will take on a role as Executive Director on the SWM Board.

He will be replaced by former Woodside boss Don Voelte.

The move ends speculation that Leckie, 61, would not be returning as boss of the media group following his stay at a health retreat in Far North Queensland.

Late last year he handed over the management reins of the Seven Network to former programming boss Tim Worner, but remained as CEO of Seven West Media, chaired by Kerry Stokes.

Leckie said, “I am looking forward to this new role. It’s been a great honour to lead Seven. We’ve had fun, kicked some goals and together built a very good media business. But it’s time for me to take a career step and I’m looking forward to playing a key role in Seven Group Holdings and further enhancing the company’s media presence. I am also looking forward to working with Don and his great team of media executives.”

Leckie has overseen Seven for 9 years, including leading the network to the top of the ratings, last year overseeing every single week of the year won in total viewers. His robust personality and colourful language always regularly attracted media attention, if not always for the right reasons.

Chairman Kerry Stokes said, “David’s track record confirms that he is undoubtedly the best television executive in Australia, leading two television networks to leadership over the past two decades. He is a strong leader and has built a strong and well-credentialled management team. He commands the respect of the people here at Seven West Media and across the entire industry.

“David has been fundamental to our success and we are looking forward to him continuing to play a key role in our company as a director on the board of Seven Group Holdings with a particular focus on that company’s media investments. On a personal note, I enjoy David’s company and value his contribution to our success highly.”

Under Tim Worner, Seven has remained strong, but Nine has been powering back -now in front in advertiser-friendly demos for 2012.

New CEO Don Voelte said: “I love building sustainable businesses. We have the best brands in the media and we have a strong management team. My role is to harness these businesses and its leaders. Our objectives are clear: leadership in a sector undergoing radical change, develop our management teams, improve our financial performance without impacting the product for our readers, viewers and advertisers, and create opportunities to expand our presence in media.

A statement from Seven indicates Leckie will continue to enjoy an advisory and counsel role working closely with both Voelte and Worner.