James Warburton appointed Chief Executive Officer of Supercars
James Warburton appointed as new Supercars Chief Executive Officer
Warburton returns to Supercars having served as CEO from 2013 to 2017
Warburton will officially begin in his role as CEO effective 23 July 2025
Supercars is pleased to confirm the appointment of James Warburton as Chief Executive Officer.
Mr Warburton returns to Supercars having previously served as CEO from 2013 to 2017, a period marked by strong commercial growth and renewed financial stability for teams.
A dynamic and highly respected leader, he brings with him decades of executive experience across sport, media, and events.
Chairman Barclay Nettlefold said: “James is an energetic, strategic and results-driven executive.
“He understands the DNA of our sport and has a proven track record of delivering commercial success and building trusted relationships with teams, partners, broadcasters and fans alike. His return reflects our ambition to strengthen Supercars’ position as a world-class sporting and entertainment product.”
During his previous tenure at Supercars, Mr Warburton helped deliver the sport’s landmark six-year media rights agreement with Fox Sports Australia, which significantly enhanced financial security for teams. He also played a pivotal role in growing Supercars’ footprint and commercial value.
Since leaving Supercars, Mr Warburton led APN Outdoor through a successful transformation and sale, and more recently served as CEO of Seven West Media, where he drove digital growth and spearheaded major broadcast and streaming initiatives.
Mr Warburton said: “Supercars holds a very special place in Australian sport, and I’m honoured to be returning to lead the business into its next phase.”
“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. I want to thank the Board for the opportunity and can’t wait to get started.”
Mr Warburton’s appointment follows the transition of current CEO Shane Howard into the role of Director – Motorsport and RACE Board Director.
The Board extends its sincere thanks to Mr Howard for his service as CEO and looks forward to his ongoing contributions in this new capacity.
Mr Warburton will officially begin in his role as Chief Executive Officer of Supercars effective 23 July 2025.
