All that changed when the rest of the traditional media business started going backwards, and billboard vendors like APN Outdoor discovered digital.

The result is that APN's share price has still doubled since its ASX debut in 2014, despite the proposed merger with Ooh! Media falling over in May. APN boss Richard Herring gets to walk away from the business next month with just under $10 million worth of shares. That's rock star CEO territory.

When asked what the future holds, Herring said he played music, "badly", and would work on that.

But what about a different gig, like comedy? Given he shares a name with British comedian-blogger, Richard Herring.

"I was sadly likened to him during his tour of Australia, which is entitled something like tour of the penis ??? anyway."

And with a delivery like that, maybe our retiring CEO should stick to the directorship circuit instead.

Speaking of moving on.

BlueScope boss, Paul O'Malley, has also decided to retire after presiding over a result that could best be described as a meltdown - through no fault of his own.

All O'Malley's good work on the cost cutting and productivity front were undone by the massive rise in BlueScope's power bill, which we can all sympathise with.

It sent the company's earnings, dividend, and share price into a ditch on Monday.

So, what is O'Malley planning to do next after a decade at the helm of the steelmaker?

"I'm hoping to be a failed professional bike rider," said O'Malley, who has a young son who is happy to keep the old man company.

Weiss guy

The Gary Weiss-led corporate raider, Ariadne, found something to do besides rubbish the Ardent Leisure board on Monday when it released its full-year results.

Weiss has plenty to crow about after the company's share price nearly doubled in November after selling its stake in Secure Parking for a $67 million profit.

Other investments are a work in progress, it told investors. Which brings us back to Ardent.

"We consider that Ardent has some valuable assets, with good potential under the right board and leadership team," said an unusually measured Ariadne.

The Kiwi group also found plenty to cheer about from the sporting success being enjoyed on the other side of the ditch.

"Following the winning of the America's Cup by Team New Zealand in June 2017, there is a clear recognition of the urgent need to develop the necessary infrastructure to support the next competition for the cup in four years' time and to capture the significant opportunities for New Zealand's internationally recognised marine industry which will flow as a result. The Ariadne consortium remains uniquely positioned to respond to this challenge," crowed Ariadne.

Follow CBD on Twitter. Got a tip? ckruger@fairfaxmedia.com.au