Former Allure Media CEO Chris Janz takes CEO role at HuffPo Australia
Former Allure Media CEO Chris Janz has been named as CEO of Huffington Post Australia, a joint venture between The Huffington Post and Fairfax Media set to launch in the next three months.
Janz was the founding CEO of Allure Media, a digital publisher responsible for Business Insider, Gizmodo, Lifehacker and PopSugar, which was bought by Fairfax in December 2012 to be part of the company’s Digital Ventures division.
He was with the company for nearly seven years, finishing up in November 2013. He has been working as an independent consultant since leaving the company.
The Huffington Post’s chief operating officer Koda Wang said: “It’s rare to find a leader with both a strong entrepreneurial drive and an obsession for digital media. Chris will be a tremendous leader of HuffPost Australia, and help take the brand to new heights.”
Janz steps into the role immediately and will oversee the establishment of the Sydney-based team of independent editors and reporters ahead of the site’s launch in the second quarter of next year.
Commenting on his appointment Janz said: “I’m excited to take on this incredible opportunity to make HuffPost Australia an engaging and influential platform for Australians to voice their thoughts, opinions and commentary – whilst leveraging The Huffington Post’s global footprint.”
Group director of Fairfax Media Digital Ventures Guy Reypert said: “Chris is a passionate digital leader who has taken powerful U.S. digital brands and quickly established them as market leaders in Australia. Chris has the necessary drive and determination to make HuffPost Australia a great success.”
HuffPost Australia is currently recruiting for a number of roles including an editorial director/editor-at-large, editor-in-chief, deputy editor, associate editor roles, blog editor, engagement editor and video editor.
Miranda Ward
Great news! I know from personal experience that Chris is a great business leader and 1000% (yes, one thousand) spot on for Huffpo. Plays to all his strengths around rich editorial content, social content, and commercialisation.
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Great pick. Best in the business.
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Of all the people in digital media in Australia, Chris would be amongst the most capable and talented. A quality hire.
Great work leaving Allure for HuffPost!
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Great leader and Great guy!!
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Well played Mr Janz !!
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smart hire
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Great hire – congratulations Janzy this looks to be a match made in heaven. I just found myself a new homepage! 🙂
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Well done Chris. Great move!
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Great choice, HuffPo. Congrats Chris.
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Great appointment
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Brilliant hire for HuffPo. I couldn’t think of a better fit.
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