Analysis Opinion

Kerry Stokes says goodbye to his shareholders as SWM accelerates its cuts

Today’s annual general meeting of Seven West Media was the last with Kerry Stokes as chair. As he said his goodbyes, this is what the market learned.

Tim Burrowes

November 6, 2025 12:45

Kerry Stokes says goodbye to his shareholders as SWM accelerates its cuts

Stokes: Will soon leave the Seven board

Although he remains in the chair for another three months, Kerry Stokes farewelled shareholders today.

At Seven West Media’s last annual general meeting before its merger with Southern Cross Austereo, Stokes reminded his audience that although he will move on in February, his son Ryan will remain on the new board, and his family’s indirect stake in the business will keep the 85-year-old interested.

Stokes owns just under 51% of Seven Group Holdings, which in turn owns just over 40% of Seven West Media. After the merger, that number will fall to about 20%.

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Tim Burrowes

Tim Burrowes is the publisher of Mumbrella and Unmade. He co-founded Mumbrella in 2008 and sister title Unmade in 2021. He's worked in the UK, Middle East, Asia & Australia and has specialised in writing about the communications world for the last 25 years. He wrote the book Media Unmade, published in 2021, and became the presenter of MediaLand on ABC Radio National in 2025.