Seven WA boss John Driscoll resigns

The chief executive of Seven West Media’s Western Australian business has resigned less than a year after being appointed.

Kerry Stokes “reluctantly” accepted Mr Driscoll’s decision. Pic: AAP

The chief executive of Seven West Media’s Western Australian business has resigned for family reasons less than a year after being appointed to the job.

Seven said John Driscoll has stepped down from the position following discussions with Seven West chairman Kerry Stokes about new additional responsibilities that required extensive travel.

“After further consultation and consideration, Driscoll has, for family reasons, decided that he would not be able to accommodate the additional responsibilities,” Seven said in a statement to the ASX.

Stokes “reluctantly accepted Mr Driscoll’s decision to step down”, on the understanding that this would not preclude Driscoll and Stokes from working together in the future, said Seven.

Stokes thanked Mr Driscoll for his services. “He has instituted a number of important reforms for our newspapers which will continue to benefit the company after his departure,” said Stokes.

A new leader of Seven West Media WA will be announced early next week. Driscoll reported to Seven West Media CEO Tim Worner.

He was responsible for running 7 Perth, The West Australian, The Sunday Times, thewest.com.au, perthnow.com.au, as well as 20 mastheads serving country WA and nine regional radio stations run by Redwave Media.

Shares in Seven West Media finished up 2.78 per cent, or 2c, at 74c. It comes after Seven’s newly acquired cricket coverage received a boost with former Australian captain Ricky Ponting agreeing to a deal with the network.