Nic Cola Heads Digital for Fairfax Media

Nic Cola Heads Digital for Fairfax Media

Nic Cola has been seconded from Fairfax in Sydney to become Group Head of Digital – NZ, Fairfax Media Chief Executive Officer Joan Withers announced today.

Cola, currently Director – News, Information and Entertainment for Fairfax Digital in Australia, will commence his new role in Wellington this week.

“I am delighted that we are able to capitalise on the talents in our wider group in this way, and excited that Fairfax in New Zealand will now accelerate our digital plans,” Ms Withers said.

“A key priority for Fairfax Media in 2006 is to implement news and information digital strategy and this appointment will trigger early rollout of a number of initiatives.

“Nic’s leadership of digital in New Zealand also enhances our ability to make the best possible use of content management systems across the Tasman, and migrate online production opportunities here rapidly.”

Ms Withers said an exciting development in the Australasian group was the fast-moving growth of collaboration and connection across the whole business, which has been a key focus area for John Fairfax Holdings Chief Executive Officer, David Kirk, since his appointment to the role.

“In the digital area this has been enhanced by the arrival of Fairfax Digital new Chief Executive Officer Jack Matthews, whose background in this country and rapport here means we are getting an even greater response to requirements for additional resource and advice.”

Nic Cola’s background equips him well for the next phase in Fairfax Media’s digital development, Ms Withers said.

He has been responsible for Fairfax’s market-leading digital news business in Australian (online at the smh.com.au and theage.com.au), plus media sales and digital entertainment across Fairfax Digital. These sites inform over three million Australians per month and have been instrumental in building new audiences, revenues and capabilities.

Mr Cola has been with Fairfax Digital for seven years in roles including Business Development Director of CitySearch, General Manager of drive.com.au and General Manager of Online Classifieds.

He previously worked in finance and corporate positions for Fairfax, in a career spanning more than 20 years with the company.

In his new role he will report to Joan Withers and be a member of the New Zealand executive management group.

The position of Group Head of Digital – NZ is newly created and leads an expanded division.

Fiona Reid, formerly General Manager of Fairfax Interactive, is Sales and Operations Manager of the digital division.

ENDS

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