David ‘Kochie’ Koch reveals his replacement on Sunrise after shock resignation

David Koch has revealed the new host of Sunrise this morning after announcing his own resignation live on air last week.

David Koch has named his successor after dropping the bombshell he was leaving the Sunrise couch after more than 20 years on air.

The breakfast host announced he was leaving just after 8am last Monday in between segments, prefacing the bombshell with: “Before we move on, just a bit of news from me.”

Former Olympian Matt “Shirvo” Shirvington was announced as the new host of the program just after 8am on Monday.

He is a familiar face for Sunrise viewers after filling in for Koch multiple times in recent weeks and two years on the network as Seven’s weekend sports presenter.

Former Olympian Matt Shirvington is the new host. Picture: Sunrise

Shirvington revealed the kind words the departing Sunrise host said to him once he was confirmed for the role.

“You said to me this week, ‘You’re the perfect fit and you’re gonna have the time of your life’ and that meant so much, Kochie,” he told viewers.

Koch went on to add that he thought his replacement would be “sensational” in the role.

“Congratulations, mate. The show is in such good hands,” he said.

“This show is way bigger than any one individual, and everyone plays such an important role. You will be sensational, so well done.”

Koch shocked fans of the morning show when he announced last week that he would be passing on the torch after nearly 21 years and 5300 shows at the helm.

David Koch announced his retirement live on Channel 7's Sunrise last Monday. Picture: Supplied

“I started here before Facebook, before Instagram, before Twitter and iPhones. That’s how old I am,” he said as his co-host Nat became visibly emotional.

“I have loved every single minute of it and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved here over the last 21 years. I’ve been privileged to experience so many great adventures, to meet so many different people and to cover so many moments of history in the making. It really is the world’s best job.”

Another major contender for the role was veterinarian Chris Brown, who recently defected from Network Ten on a rumoured million-dollar deal.

Dr Brown’s role at the network remains a mystery, with no position announced for him ahead of his expected arrival in July.

Koch, 67, had declined to comment on either man’s chances, revealing only one detail when quizzed on his replacement during an interview with Nova’s Fitzy and Wippa.

“I can guarantee you this, that my replacement will be younger and better looking,” he teased listeners before joking that the two radio hosts would be out of the running.

Koch, 67, will air his last show on Friday, having made his mark as the longest-serving breakfast host in Australian history.

Matt Shirvington has spent the last two years working as Sunrise’s weekend sports presenter and has been widely touted as the favourite to replace Koch. Picture: Supplied

Celebrity vet Chris Brown (right) was also considered a contender.

The television star said the move would allow him to focus on his family and business interests – but he didn’t rule out a return to the Sunrise couch.

“As everyone knows, I’m a finance nerd, so you’ll still see me pop up every so often on RBA board meeting days or covering other big financial news but as a guest rather than host,” he said last week.

Koch and his wife Libby own Pinstripe Media, a marketing company specialising in start-ups, business and finance.

He is also the executive chairman of AusBiz, a streaming channel for markets and business content.

Outside of finance, the father of four is also chairman of the Port Adelaide Football Club and patron of the Koch Centre For Youth in Macquarie Fields.

Originally published as David ‘Kochie’ Koch reveals his replacement on Sunrise after shock resignation