Peter Costello has resigned as chairman of Nine Entertainment Co.
Current deputy chair Catherine West will be appointed as his replacement.
The announcement comes days after Costello was accused of shoving a journalist at Canberra Airport. He has denied the allegations, claiming that the reporter fell backwards over an advertising placard.
His resignation also comes as Nine faces scrutiny over allegations of bullying and sexual harassment made against former news and current affairs boss Darren Wick.
In an email issued to staff, Chief Executive Officer Mike Sneesby said the board wished to thank Costello for his contribution to the organisation:
| “Mr Costello played a key role in Nine milestones such as its successful re-listing on the Australian Stock Exchange in 2013, securing the landmark news media bargaining code and the transformative merger with Fairfax Media
“I want to thank Peter for his contribution to Nine over more than a decade. “As the announcement makes clear, he has played an important role in the big Nine milestones over that time – a period marked by dramatic digital transformation for the media industry and our company. “Our deputy chair Catherine West has been appointed as chair and will lead existing plans for board renewal. “It has been a challenging few weeks for our company and I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to all of you for your hard work.” |
Costello was appointed to the Board in March 2013, and to the position of Chairman of the Board in March 2016.
Nine Entertainment Co brands include the Nine Network, radio stations 2GB, 3AW, 4BC and 6PR, news outlets The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, Brisbane Times and WA Today and digital outlets 9Now, Pedestrian, Drive, Domain Group and Stan.
Source: Nine News, ABC, Nine For Brands
