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Ben Roberts-Smith steps aside as Seven Qld General Manager

Seven exec under fire take leave to focus on legal case, but expects to return later.

Ben Roberts-Smith has stepped aside as General Manager of Seven Queensland taking leave, “to focus on his upcoming legal matters”.

Roberts-Smith has launched defamation proceedings against Nine over articles and reportage by 60 Minutes.

He recently denied allegations reported by Nine but also apologised over audio recordings made around Seven staff.

He still has the backing of Seven chairman Kerry Stokes in his legal fight.

James Warburton, Seven CEO in a note to staff said, “I wanted to let you know that Ben Roberts-Smith will take leave from his role as General Manager, Seven Brisbane and 7Queensland, to focus on his upcoming legal matters.

“Ben’s leave will start today. Ben and I believe this mutual decision is best for both him and our company. We expect Ben to return to his role upon the completion of his defamation proceedings. As the trial is currently set down for eight weeks, it’s likely this won’t be until after August.

“While Ben is on leave, 7Queensland will report to Greg Gable the 7Queensland Sales Director, while Seven Brisbane managers will report to their respective department heads in Sydney. Local production will report to Troy Smith, Head of Technical Services.”

Roberts-Smith was appointed General Manager of Seven Queensland in July 2015 following his career in the SAS.

The case against Nine is due to begin in June.