Ryan Stokes appointed Chair of Southern Cross Media Group – Southern Cross Media Group has announced a board leadership change, with Ryan Stokes AO appointed Non-Executive Chair effective immediately.
The ASX-listed media company confirmed the change on Monday, 7 September. Teresa Dyson has stepped down as Non-Executive Chair, but will stay on the board as a Non-Executive Director.
It is a significant move for Australian media. Southern Cross Media Group now brings together major television, audio, digital and publishing assets, including the Seven Network, 7plus, 7NEWS.com.au, LiSTNR, the Hit and Triple M radio networks, The West Australian, The Sunday Times, The Nightly and PerthNow.
Cathy O’Connor has also been elected Lead Independent Director by the independent directors. The role has been created to support independent oversight of the company’s governance framework.
Stokes has been a director of Southern Cross Media Group since the combination with Seven West Media was completed in January 2026. He is also Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SGH Limited, which holds a substantial interest in the company.
Southern Cross said the board change follows the settling of the enlarged group’s management structure and operating model. The company said the new leadership structure is designed for the next phase of integration and performance.
The company has also created a new Risk, Regulatory and Compliance Committee. Dyson will chair the committee, which will oversee the group’s risk, regulatory and compliance profile.
In the ASX release, Stokes said Southern Cross has outstanding brands, audiences and reach. He said the board’s focus is to support Managing Director and CEO Rohan Lund and the management team as they execute the company’s plans.
O’Connor said the independent directors supported Stokes’ appointment. She said the board had put arrangements in place to preserve independence, including a majority-independent board and committees, independent committee chairs and the Lead Independent Director role.
The Audit and Risk Committee will become the Audit Committee and remain chaired by independent Non-Executive Director Sylvia Wiggins. The People and Remuneration Committee will continue to be chaired by Marina Go AM.
Southern Cross said Stokes’ current director fees will remain unchanged in his new role as Chair. The search for additional independent Non-Executive Directors is continuing.
For more coverage of Australian free-to-air media, visit TV Central’s Channel 7 section. For official investor information, visit Southern Cross Media Group’s ASX announcements page.