Ten Network Holdings has announced it has sacked Chief Executive and Managing Director, James Warburton, and appointed Hamish McLennan in his place.

“The Board would like to thank James Warburton for his hard work and contribution during what has been a difficult period for the Company and for the broader media sector,” TEN’s Chairman Lachlan Murdoch said.

Mr Warburton’s sacking comes only little over a year since his employment stoked a bitter legal battle between TEN and the Seven Network, Mr Warburton’s previous employer.

Mr Warburton’s sacking completes a sub-par period for the struggling network, which posted less than enviable ratings in the 2012 calendar year.

Well-known advertising guru Russel Howcroft will serve in the CEO role until Mr McLennan takes the position in mid-March.