Nine Entertainment elevates Peter Tonagh to chair as Catherine West exits company | News

Australia’s Nine Entertainment has elevated board member and broadcasting sector stalwart Peter Tonagh to the role of chair.

The surprising move comes as current chair Catherine West announced that she intended to retire as chair and non-executive director at the end of the company’s annual general meeting on November 7.

Given Tonagh’s experience in corporate mergers and acquisitions his move into the chair position gives rise to suggestions of further changes within the Nine investment structure.

West has served on the Nine board since 2016, and was appointed chair in June last year during a time of intense scrutiny for the company which involved a complex management restructure and a significant cultural and executive conduct review in the wake of behavioural mismanagement claims.

West said: “Nine is part of Australia’s fabric and plays a critical role in preserving our democracy, nurturing our culture and shaping our national identity. I am proud to have successfully led the company through a transformational period.”

Tonagh, joined the Nine board as an independent non-executive director in January of this year after a sudden departure from the ABC board where he served as deputy chair.

As the former CEO of Foxtel, News Corp Australia and REA Group he is highly sought after across the media, technology and analytics sectors for board and strategic advisory roles.

Tonagh thanked West for her leadership and said “it’s an honour to be appointed chair-elect of the Nine board, a great Australian company with a rich heritage and an exciting future. I will be working closely with the Board and management to drive value for all shareholders over the long term.”

Tonagh is currently also chair of Quantium, GTN Limited and Bus Stop Films.

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