Fairfax Media Realigns Structure

Fairfax Media Realigns Structure

New Zealand’s largest media company, Fairfax Media, is re-aligning its senior management structure to better reflect the changed media environment and the company’s commitment to growth.

Chief Executive Officer Joan Withers said that Fairfax Media’s strategic focus was on profitable, sustainable growth across its online, newspaper and magazine operating platforms, and that a refinement of the company’s structure was timely.

“The changes we are implementing will provide a clearer operational structure and will recognise the critical importance of news gathering, content creation and distribution.”

The most significant changes under the re-alignment are the creation of two new roles, that of Group Head of Publishing and Group Executive Editor. The position of Chief Operating Officer/Editor-in-Chief has been disestablished.

The Group Head of Publishing will have overall responsibility for the revenue, profit, circulation and readership performance of the newspaper and magazine businesses, and will report to the Chief Executive. It brings responsibility for newspapers and magazines under one reporting line.

The Group Executive Editor will lead key group editorial initiatives and work closely with editors to drive the continued development of quality news gathering and content across newspapers, magazines and online. That position will also report to the Chief Executive.

Withers said Peter O’Hara, who holds the position of Chief Operating Officer / Editor in Chief, had made the decision to not apply for either new position.

“Peter O’Hara has made an outstanding contribution to Fairfax Media, and he leaves with our sincere thanks, appreciation and highest respect for his experience and leadership. He has been a superb COO and Editor in Chief. During Peter’s seven years in senior management roles he has made a substantial contribution to the development of Fairfax Media into the country’s leading and most diversified media company,” said Withers.

“Peter has played a pivotal role in championing our editorial values of quality and excellence in journalism. In so doing, he has helped ensure Fairfax Media’s leading role in publishing, in print and online, and our prospects for success in the new environment that media now faces.”

O’Hara said that he was leaving Fairfax Media on amicable terms, and was proud to have played a part in the series of initiatives that had created the modern day Fairfax Media.

“Fairfax Media is better positioned than any other media company in New Zealand to face the changes taking place, and to succeed in terms of editorial integrity and commercial performance,” said O’Hara.

``It is a group which has people of outstanding talent and professionalism right across New Zealand. While I have initiated the decision, in my own best interests, to leave, I wish Fairfax people every success in the future and I will be delighted and proud watching their progress.’’

ENDS

© Scoop Media