Southern Cross Media appoints Mark McGowan and Karen Stocks to board

Southern Cross Media Group has announced the appointments of former Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan and senior technology executive Karen Stocks to its board as independent non-executive directors. The appointments are scheduled to take effect from 28 September 2026, pending shareholder election at the company’s annual general meeting in November.

The move expands the board to eight directors. Southern Cross Media, which owns Channel 7, 7plus, The West Australian, and various commercial radio networks, stated the appointments aim to add specific capabilities. McGowan brings experience in government, regulation, and infrastructure, particularly within Western Australia. Stocks, a former executive at Google and Twitter, provides expertise in digital video, advertising technology, data, and audience measurement.

Southern Cross Media chair Ryan Stokes noted that the new appointees will strengthen the board as the company supports CEO Rohan Lund and the management team through its next phase of growth.