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Former Seven West Media (ASX: SWM) boss James Warburton has made a surprise return to Supercars as CEO, eight years after leaving the Gold Coast-based motorsports group.
Warburton takes on the role in July after resigning as CEO of Seven West Media in April last year, a position he held for about five years.
The seasoned television executive previously led Supercars between 2013 and 2017, a period during which the motorsports group says he achieved “commercial growth and renewed financial stability for teams”.
“James is an energetic, strategic and results-driven executive,” says Supercars chairman Barclay Nettlefold.
“He understands the DNA of our sport and has a proven track record of delivering commercial success and building trusted relationships with teams, partners, broadcasters and fans alike.
“His return reflects our ambition to strengthen Supercars’ position as a world-class sporting and entertainment product.”
A former head of the Ten Network with extensive experience in sport, media, and events, Warburton became CEO of APN Outdoor in 2018 after leaving Supercars before being appointed to lead Seven West.
At Seven, Warburton was credited with leading a turnaround in the company's fortunes during a tough period for the television industry.
Supercars says that during his previous tenure at Supercars, Warburton helped deliver the landmark six-year media rights agreement with Fox Sports Australia and played a “pivotal role in growing Supercars’ footprint and commercial value”.
“Supercars holds a very special place in Australian sport, and I’m honoured to be returning to lead the business into its next phase,” says Warburton.
“This is a championship with passionate fans, incredible on-track action, and huge potential to grow. The business has evolved significantly in recent years and I’m excited to build on the strong foundation already in place.
“I want to thank the board for the opportunity and can’t wait to get started.”
Warburton’s appointment comes on the heels of current Supercars CEO Shane Howard being appointed director of a newly created role, Director - Motorsport.
Warburton will officially assume the CEO position at Supercars on 23 July 2025.
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