Seven West Media chief executive Tim Worner has unexpectedly resigned, with chairman Kerry Stokes declaring "now is the time for change".
Mr Worner, whose leadership at Seven was tainted by his affair with former executive assistant Amber Harrison and court action that followed, will be replaced by James Warburton — a one-time Seven executive before he defected to become Network Ten's managing director.
In a statement to the stock exchange, Mr Stokes said Mr Worner had tendered his resignation and that Mr Warburton would take over immediately.
"Tim has been a tireless leader at Seven for more than two decades. All parties agree now is the time for change," Mr Stokes said.
"We are fortunate that James was able to commence immediately."
In announcing Mr Worner's resignation, Mr Stokes said the company reaffirms its financial guidance issued in a May 21 trading update.
Mr Worner's tenure was tarnished after Ms Harrison went public with allegations of cover-ups, credit card misuse and bullying inside Seven.
However, Ms Harrison's case against the company was dismissed in the NSW Supreme Court, which found she breached confidentiality agreements.
