James Warburton, former managing director and CEO of Seven West Media, has joined the board of photo-sharing app Tinybeans as a non-executive director. His tenure began on 1 July.
Founded in Sydney in 2012, Tinybeans is a photo-sharing app designed for parents that gives posters full ownership of the photos and videos uploaded, as well as full control over who can see them.
Speaking of his new role, Warburton said “I’m excited about the opportunity for Tinybeans. It is a business with incredible potential to grow and scale given the issues of privacy that will continue to be at the forefront of people’s minds.
“My interactions with the chair Chantale Millard and chief executive Zsofi Paterson have been impressive, and I look forward to proactively assisting to maximise the return for all shareholders.”
Tinybeans chair, Chantale Millard, said “James has impressive experience, leadership and knowledge within the broader media and advertising landscape that adds valuable strength to the board as it focuses on leveraging the business’s platform for growth.
“James’ appointment is an incredibly strong endorsement of the Tinybeans business and its commercial potential. The Board and Zsofi are looking forward to working with James to realise the potential of the Tinybeans business and maximise shareholder returns.”
Warburton ended his time as CEO of Seven West Media on 18 April, after having announced his resignation in December 2023. He was succeeded by chief financial officer Jeff Howard.
See also: Farewell, James Warburton: Seven West Media CEO’s last day in the office
During his time with Seven, Warburton secured an extension of its AFL agreement, a deal that will last until the end of the 2031 season and is worth $4.5 billion – the biggest broadcast deal in Australian history.
He also ensured Seven has the FTA cricket rights for the next seven years, including streaming for the first time. Under Warburton, the network also secured coverage of the Matildas at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
James Warburton ranked #1 on the Mediaweek 100 in 2023.
Following Howard’s appointment, the network confirmed a new operating model in the wake of redundancies and other cost actions at the network.
Under the new model, SWM will have three divisions: Television, Digital, and Western Australia.
Chief revenue officer, Kurt Burnette, chief marketing officer, Melissa Hopkins, and head of sport and managing director of Seven Melbourne, Lewis Martin are confirmed to be exiting the business, with Howard saying he “sincerely thanks Kurt, Lewis, and Mel for their contributions to Seven and they leave with our best wishes for the future.”
See also: Seven West Media: New divisions and leadership roles in wake of redundancies