Catherine West steps down as Nine chair

Catherine West will retire as Nine’s chair in November, with board director Peter Tonagh to take over the role.

West will also retire from her role as non-executive director.

She has served on the Nine board since 2016, and was appointed chair in June 2024, replacing Peter Costello, who resigned after being caught on camera alleging assaulting a News Corp reporter — an action he denied.

West took the chair during a period of tumult that saw a number of executives exit the company, after a major cultural review found “concerning levels of inappropriate workplace behaviours at Nine.”

She was reelected as chair at last November’s annual general meeting, with 82% of shareholder vote. She will step down following this year’s AGM, on November 7.

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“It has been a privilege to be part of the leadership of this iconic Australian company for almost 10 years,” West said in a statement issued to the ASX on Thursday morning.

“Nine is part of Australia’s fabric and plays a critical role in preserving our democracy, nurturing our culture and shaping our national identity.”

West said she is proud to have steered the company through its recent “strategic and cultural transformation”, noting the “significant value for shareholders” generated by the divestment of Domain.

She added: “With a strengthened balance sheet Nine can focus capital and energy on media assets where it has clear competitive advantages”

Peter Tonagh will step up as Nine chair in November, following the AGM

Tonagh joined the Nine board as an independent non-executive director in January 2025, and has worked as CEO at Foxtel, News Corp Australia, and REA Group, as well as deputy chair of the ABC.

He said in the ASX announcement: “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.

“On behalf of the board, I thank Catherine for her leadership, guidance, and commitment to Nine, which have been instrumental in positioning the company for sustainable success.

“I will be working closely with the board and management to drive value for all shareholders over the long term.”

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