Warburton returns as Supercars chief after media stint
A global search has led to Supercars appointing a new chief executive from the past, with James Warburton to once again take over the reins.
Warburton returns to Supercars as the replacement for Shane Howard after a five-year stint as Seven West Media boss.
He will officially begin in his role on July 23, with Howard transitioning to a newly created role as director of motorsport.
Warburton previously led Supercars from 2013 to 2017, his tenure including dropping reference to V8s in the championship's title to open the door to new manufacturers and different engine types.
"Supercars holds a very special place in Australian sport, and I'm honoured to be returning to lead the business into its next phase," Warburton said in a statement.
"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."
Warburton had also orchestrated a landmark broadcast rights deal with Fox Sports, which brought financial stability to the teams but was criticised by fans due to the mixture of pay TV and free-to-air broadcasts.
He then left Supercars to join advertising company APN Outdoor before taking the helm at Seven West in 2019, overseeing long-term cricket and AFL broadcast deals and the acquisition of regional TV network Prime in 2021.
Warburton left the media conglomerate earlier than planned in 2024 amid a tumultuous period for the network, which included allegations made during a defamation trial that the broadcaster had made payments to Bruce Lehrmann.
His appointment as Supercars chief is the latest puzzle piece after a number of off-grid changes.
Former chief operating officer Tim Watsford left his post in February to join NRL club St George Illawarra as their boss, with two new directors also welcomed to the Supercars board in January.
Supercars action will continue in Perth on June 6-8 for round five of the championship.
Triple Eight young gun Broc Feeney leads the series, followed by reigning champion Will Brown and Grove Racing's Matt Payne.
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