Nine Entertainment has confirmed that Matt Stanton will officially become the media group's permanent chief executive officer and managing director nearly six months after stepping into the role on an acting basis following the exit of Mike Sneesby.

The appointment, heavily anticipated by the market for months now, concludes a comprehensive international search process undertaken by the company.

Stanton steps into the role with a diverse background in leadership positions across various industries. His previous roles include Chief Executive Officer of Barambah Organics, Chief Transformation Officer at Woolworths, and Chief Executive Officer of Bauer Media, now known as Are Media. Stanton first joined Nine Entertainment in 2022 as Chief Strategy Officer and has been serving as Acting Chief Executive Officer since October 2024.

During his tenure as Acting CEO, Stanton has implemented significant changes within Nine Entertainment, including an overhaul of company's operating model, a refresh of the Executive Team, and the acceleration of strategic and cultural reforms. His leadership during this period has been recognised as pivotal by the company.

Nine Chair Catherine West said: "The Board is delighted to confirm Matt as the Nine CEO. Following a thorough and competitive recruitment process, Matt was clearly the best credentialled leader to maintain the momentum on our strategic and cultural transformation. He has done an outstanding job as Acting CEO.

"Matt’s mix of strategic and commercial acumen, transformation and media experience, strong values, and an open and collaborative approach to leadership, make him the right person to lead Nine. After developing the Group strategy, Matt has a deep understanding of Nine, our priorities, culture and people and has earned the respect of the senior leadership, the broader workforce, the market and the Board."

Stanton's remuneration package includes a fixed salary of $1,600,000 per annum, inclusive of superannuation. His Short Term Incentive (STI) is set at $1,600,000 at target and $2,400,000 at stretch, with 33% deferred and paid as Nine shares. Additionally, Stanton's Long Term Incentive (LTI) comprises an annual entitlement to a grant of performance rights valued at $2,000,000, subject to shareholder approval. The LTI vesting is contingent on a three-year period with specific hurdles: a relative Total Shareholder Return (TSR) hurdle valued at $800,000, an earnings per share growth hurdle also valued at $800,000, and a digital strategy hurdle valued at $400,000.

The terms of Stanton's employment include a 12-month notice period for termination by either Nine or Stanton, with provisions for immediate termination in cases of serious misconduct. Post-employment, Stanton is subject to a 12-month non-compete and non-solicitation restraint.

"It’s an honour and a privilege to lead the talented and dedicated team at Nine. Nine is a great Australian company that plays a vital role in the national conversation. We have an exciting future, underpinned by the best people and assets in the media sector. We have moved at pace in recent months to strengthen the Group, and I’ve been buoyed by the buy-in from people across the company as we progress our ambitious plans to reset and grow the business. I am committed to continuing to reform and strengthen Nine in the interests of all shareholders and our people," said Stanton.