Who is the new chair of Southern Cross Media Group (ASX:SXL)?

Teresa Dyson will succeed Heith Mackay-Cruise as chair of Southern Cross Media, effective 1 July 2026. Dyson joined the board in January 2026 following the company's merger with Seven West Media, where she previously served as a director for over eight years.

Why is Heith Mackay-Cruise retiring from Southern Cross Media (ASX:SXL)?

Heith Mackay-Cruise is retiring on 30 June 2026, after six years on the board and two years as chair. His departure follows the completion of the major restructuring and merger with Seven West Media.

What was the 203D notice filed by Sandon Capital against Southern Cross Media?

Activist investor Sandon Capital filed a 203D notice on 1 May 2026, seeking to remove Heith Mackay-Cruise, Ido Leffler, and Marina Go from the board. Under the Corporations Act, this notice forces a vote on director removal.

How does the Seven West Media merger impact the new leadership at Southern Cross (ASX:SXL)?

The appointment of Teresa Dyson as chair directly reflects the post-merger landscape, as she moved to the Southern Cross board specifically after the January 2026 tie-up. The merger created Australia’s largest commercial media platform.

What is the current share price and market sentiment for Southern Cross Media (ASX:SXL)?

At the time of the leadership announcement, Southern Cross Media (ASX:SXL) shares were trading at $0.061. Market sentiment appears mixed; while the company has completed a massive structural expansion via the Seven West merger, it is simultaneously dealing with activist pressure from Sandon Capital.

Southern Cross Media Group chairman to retire in June

Written by Isaac FrancisPublished May. 4 2026

Southern Cross Media Group (ASX:SXL) has confirmed a leadership transition, announcing that chair Heith Mackay-Cruise will retire on June 30.

The departure concludes Mackay-Cruise's six-year tenure on the board, including two years at the helm.

He will be succeeded by Teresa Dyson, effective July 1.

Dyson, a seasoned executive with over eight years of experience at Seven West Media, joined the Southern Cross board following the landmark merger between the two media giants in January.

Her extensive portfolio includes roles with the Humm Group, Shine Justice, and the Takeovers Panel.

On May 1, activist investor Sandon Capital filed a 203D notice under the Corporations Act, seeking the removal of Mackay-Cruise, Ido Leffler, and Marina Go at the upcoming annual general meeting.

While Leffler is also slated to retire in June, Southern Cross maintains that the activist notices will have no practical impact on the AGM’s resolutions.

SGH has signalled its support for Marina Go, intending to vote its 20% stake in favour of her re-election.

Reflecting on his tenure, Mackay-Cruise expressed pride in overseeing the company's restructure and the Seven West Media integration, which established Australia’s largest commercial media platform.

At the time of reporting, Southern Cross Media’s share price was $0.061.