Catherine West will retire as chair and non-executive director of Nine Entertainment at the conclusion of the company’s 2025 Annual General Meeting on 7 November. The media giant has moved quickly to secure a replacement, with Peter Tonagh, who joined the Nine board in January 2025 as an independent non-executive director, set to assume the role of chair following the AGM.
The transition marks another chapter in Nine Entertainment’s ongoing transformation, as the company continues to navigate a rapidly evolving media landscape while recovering from recent workplace culture challenges.
West’s Brief but Transformative Tenure
Catherine West has been Chair since June 2024 but part of Nine for nearly a decade, serving on the board since 2016 as an independent, non-executive director. Her appointment came during a turbulent period following Peter Costello’s resignation amid workplace culture controversies.
Catherine West steps down as Nine Entertainment chair after transformative tenure since June 2024
Despite her relatively short tenure as chair, West oversaw significant changes at Nine Entertainment. “Nine emerged stronger from the acceleration of our Company-wide strategic and cultural transformation and by harnessing the power of the Nine Group,” she stated.
- Strengthened balance sheet through Domain divestment
- Implemented Nine2028 strategic growth plan
- Refreshed executive leadership team
- Reset operating model for future growth
West emphasised that “Nine is part of Australia’s fabric and plays a critical role in preserving our democracy, nurturing our culture and shaping our national identity“, highlighting the company’s broader societal significance beyond mere commercial success.
Peter Tonagh: Media Veteran Takes the Helm
Peter Tonagh brings extensive leadership experience across Australia’s media, technology, and analytics sectors. His career spans key roles at Deloitte, Boston Consulting Group, and Foxtel, where he served as CFO and later CEO.
Peter Tonagh brings extensive media industry experience to his new role as Nine Entertainment chair
Tonagh’s Impressive Resume:
- CEO of Foxtel and News Corp Australia
- Interim CEO of REA Group Limited
- Former deputy chair of the ABC
- Current chair of Quantium, GTN Limited, and Bus Stop Films
“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,” Tonagh said. He expressed commitment to working closely with the board and management to drive long-term shareholder value.
The appointment represents a strategic move for Nine Entertainment, given Tonagh’s deep understanding of both traditional and digital media landscapes.
Strategic Timing for Leadership Transition
The 2025 Annual General Meeting timing allows for an orderly succession during a period of relative stability for Nine Entertainment. The company has weathered significant storms over the past 18 months, including:
- Executive departures and cultural reviews
- Regulatory scrutiny and workplace investigations
- Market volatility in traditional media sectors
- Domain Group divestment to CoStar Group
Nine Entertainment has featured prominently in ASX coverage this year, particularly following the $2.7 billion Domain takeover by US property giant CoStar.
Market Performance and Investor Outlook
Nine Entertainment shares are currently trading at $1.68, with a 52-week range of $1.07 to $1.90. The stock has shown resilience despite broader media sector challenges, with a year-to-date return of 36.44% and a market capitalisation of approximately $2.66 billion.
Nine Entertainment share price
Key Financial Metrics:
- Share price: $1.68 (as of September 2025)
- Market cap: $2.66 billion
- Dividend yield: 4.73%
- P/E ratio: 24.00
The company’s financial position has strengthened considerably following the Domain divestment, providing increased flexibility for strategic investments in core media assets.
Nine’s Transformation Under New Leadership
West’s departure comes as Nine Entertainment completes a comprehensive cultural and strategic overhaul. The company has emerged from previous entertainment sector challenges with a clearer focus on sustainable growth and operational excellence.
The Nine2028 strategy positions the company for continued evolution in Australia’s competitive media landscape, emphasising:
- Digital-first content creation and distribution
- Enhanced advertising technology platforms
- Streamlined operational efficiency
- Strengthened regulatory compliance frameworks
Looking Ahead
The leadership transition occurs against a backdrop of ongoing transformation in Australian media. Nine Entertainment’s strategic positioning appears solid, with management focused on ASX performance improvements and long-term value creation.
Catherine West’s legacy includes navigating Nine Entertainment through one of its most challenging periods while establishing foundations for future growth. Peter Tonagh inherits a company with renewed strategic clarity and a strengthened balance sheet.
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The 2025 Annual General Meeting will formally mark this transition, as Nine Entertainment continues its evolution in Australia’s dynamic media sector. Shareholders will be watching closely as the new leadership team executes the Nine2028 strategy under Tonagh’s guidance.
FAQs
Q: Why is Catherine West stepping down as Nine Entertainment chair?
A: West is stepping down as part of an orderly succession plan, having successfully led the company through a transformational period following workplace culture challenges and strategic restructuring.
Q: When will Peter Tonagh officially become Nine Entertainment chair?
A: Tonagh will assume the chair role following the 2025 Annual General Meeting scheduled for 7 November 2025.
Q: What is Peter Tonagh’s background in media?
A: Tonagh has extensive experience including CEO roles at Foxtel and News Corp Australia, interim CEO of REA Group, and former deputy chair of the ABC.
Q: How has Nine Entertainment performed financially under West’s leadership?
A: The company strengthened its balance sheet through the Domain divestment, implemented the Nine2028 growth strategy, and delivered strong shareholder returns with 36.44% year-to-date gains.
