Warburton Appointed CEO

V8 Supercars today announced the appointment of James Warburton as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), commencing on June 1, 2013.

Mr Warburton is a world-class senior executive with vast expertise in the media, marketing and advertising sectors. 

Beginning his career in the advertising industry at a young age, Mr Warburton has worked with most of Australia's blue chip clients.

As Managing Director of media buying company Universal McCann, the company flourished, more than doubling its billings by winning the Federal Government and Coles Myer accounts – at the time the largest accounts in Australia.

Handpicked by David Leckie in 2003, Mr Warburton was one of team that revived the fortunes of the Seven Network and he was ultimately promoted to Chief Sales Officer in 2008, responsible for $1.5 billion of revenue. In his role at the Seven Network, Mr Warburton also had responsibility for the commercialisation of the Network’s AFL and V8 Supercars rights. 

In early 2012 Mr Warburton took the challenge to run Network Ten and held that position until February this year.

In announcing the appointment V8 Supercars Director Andrew Gray said:

“James is an ideal fit for this role given his extensive track record in the television, sales and commercial fields; as well as his strong knowledge of the sport. He is incredibly well credentialed and enjoys support from a wide cross section of business leaders as the right person for the role.”

V8 Supercars Director Roland Dane said:

“James is considered by the Board as an extremely shrewd and highly capable CEO. We look forward to James bringing his wealth of knowledge, sales acumen and clear love of the sport to the V8 Supercars business.”

Mr Warburton said:

“It is a great honour to be leading this sport into its next phase of growth. As a life-long fan of the Championship I've never seen better on track action than the start to the 2013 season and the teams and the sport should be congratulated for the seamless and professional roll out of the car of the future. I can’t wait to rip in.”