Peter Costello's exit from Nine Entertainment days after an altercation with a journalist will see deputy chair Catherine West take on the job of steering the media company through a rocky patch.
Ms West will step into the job after the former federal treasurer quit after being accused by the reporter of assaulting him at Canberra's airport on Thursday.
Mr Costello denied the allegation later that day, saying The Australian's Liam Mendes fell after backing into an advertising placard while asking him questions.
