Kerry Stokes' Seven swansong tainted by shareholder backlash

Kerry Stokes' Seven swansong tainted by shareholder backlash

At Seven West Media's annual general meeting, investors made it clear that their patience is running out with the company’s leadership and its handling of executive pay. The continued drop in market value has amplified their frustration.

After five decades in Australia's media landscape, much of it as a key powerbroker, billionaire Kerry Stokes likely led the AGM for the final time as chairman. His departure, expected early next year following the proposed merger with Southern Cross Austereo, marks the end of an era.

“Patience is wearing thin for Seven’s plans on executive pay, its failure to declare a dividend in years, and a share price circling the drain.”

Shareholders pointed to the company’s collapse in value, with stock now trading around $0.14 — a steep fall from the 2007 highs of more than $14, when Seven stood as one of the nation's media giants. The meeting reflected deep frustration over years of decline and fading influence within the industry.

Author’s Summary

Kerry Stokes faced a tense final AGM as Seven shareholders expressed growing frustration over poor returns, falling value, and stalled dividends after decades of leadership.

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Capital Brief Capital Brief — 2025-11-06

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