The publisher's board voted unanimously to appoint the Seven Network chairman to the same role at WAN.
Channel Seven Perth managing director Chris Wharton has been appointed as chief executive, replacing fellow former journalist Ken Steinke, who resigned last week along with then-chairman Peter Mansell and two other directors.
"The outgoing CEO, Mr Steinke, will remain with WAN until the commencement of Mr Wharton, and thereafter will be available, on an as needed basis, to facilitate a smooth transition," WAN said in a statement.
Woodside Petroleum chief executive Don Voelte and the chief executive of Rio Tinto's iron ore group Sam Walsh were appointed to WAN's board as independent directors.
They join Australian Post managing director Graeme John, who was appointed as a WAN director last week.
The WAN board now has six non-executive directors, four of which are independent.
"The three new Directors, with Mr Kerry Stokes, AC, Mr Peter Gammell and Mr Doug Flynn, constitute a Board with wide-ranging skills and business experience across a variety of industries, both globally and in Western Australia,'' WAN said.
Shares in WAN were down 16 cents, or 3.36 per cents, at $4.60 at 1.39pm (AEDT).
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