Bernard Hickey To Head Up Fairfax Media Digital

April 17 2007

Bernard Hickey To Head Up Fairfax Media Digital

Statement made by Joan Withers, Chief Executive Officer, Fairfax Media

Bernard Hickey has been appointed to the position of Group Head of Digital, Fairfax Media.

Currently Managing Editor Business Publications, Mr Hickey will lead Fairfax Media’s drive to be the leading provider and innovator of digital information in New Zealand, and to build its online business to strength and influence comparative with Fairfax Media’s newspaper and magazine platforms.

Fairfax Media’s digital strength in New Zealand is based around stuff.co.nz, and the portals operated by its newspaper mastheads and magazine titles. Mr Hickey will also have an important role in liaising with Fairfax Media’s complementary digital operations, TradeMe in New Zealand, and similar operations in Australia.

A career journalist, Bernard spent more than a decade in Europe, Asia and Australia working for reuters.co.uk and The Financial Times Group on emerging digital platforms, before returning to New Zealand, first to set up Business Day for Fairfax Media and then XtraMSN.

Mr Hickey rejoined Fairfax Media in early 2006 developing Business Day into the country’s most respected business news bureau. In that role he also acted as the Interim Editor of The Independent Business Review as it underwent transformation under Fairfax Media’s ownership.

The digital business for Fairfax Media in New Zealand and Australia is playing an increasingly important part in the overall success of the trans Tasman company. In the 12 months ending December 31, 2006, revenue for the digital platform grew 44%, generating 9% of the company’s total revenues, and 14% of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation.

Bernard replaces Nic Cola, who has returned to a senior digital role with Fairfax Media in Australia. During the transition period until Bernard assumes his new role, Lance Wiggs will continue to assist us as Acting Head of Digital.

ENDS

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