Williams begins to announce new management structure at News Limited
News Limited boss Kim Williams has revealed some of the key executives in the company’s new structure. The announcement comes after he revealed that the company would be remodelled to five divisions – NSW, Victoria, Queensland, The Australian and magazine arm NewsLife Media.
Michael Miller will be boss in NSW, although there has not yet been an editorial director
HWT MD Peter Blunden will head Victorian editorial, while Michael Miller, previously head of Nationwide News, becomes regional director of News NSW.
There is no word on who the head of commercial in Victoria or editorial in NSW will be. There is also no word on how key group players such as group editorial director Campbell Reid will fit in.
Williams’ memo to staff:
Dear Colleagues,
I said in my video message today I would keep you informed of the key appointments we make over the coming days as part of our transformation at News.
As we make necessary changes, it’s important we have the right leaders in place to take the company forward. I am pleased to announce the following appointments.
Victorian Managing Director – Editorial
Peter Blunden has accepted the role of Victorian Managing Director – Editorial. Victoria is one of our most important states – with superb and highly popular mastheads, regional and community brands and a pioneering digital offering.
I am delighted Peter has agreed to accept this role. Peter brings unrivalled strengths to this new leadership position – including deep editorial and leadership skills and a close connection with Victoria and its consumers. Peter will report to me.
News New South Wales – Regional Director
Michael Miller has accepted the role of Regional Director in NSW. Michael has a wide knowledge of our business, strong commercial instinct and a skilful outlook.
I am confident that Michael will bring energy and focus to ensuring that News in NSW drives the transformation process forward and delivers on its customer, commercial and operational targets. Michael will report to Jerry Harris.
News New South Wales – Editorial Director
We are not in a position to announce who will take on the NSW Editorial Director role. I will let you know who will fill this role when the appointment is made.
National Director – The Australian
John Webster has accepted the role of National Director – The Australian. John will oversee the commercial aspects of The Australian including driving its digital strategy, ensuring we maximise synergies from our acquisition of AIBM and that we work smarter. John has a strong track record. Most recently John has done a really fine job running our community titles in New South Wales. John will report to Jerry.
Group Director – Innovation & Integration
Stuart Spiteri has accepted the role of Group Director – Innovation & Integration. Stuart has extensive knowledge of digital products and consumer trends and most recently ran NDM. Stuart’s team will drive best in class product development across our business. Prior to working at NDM, Stuart worked at Google in Singapore. Stuart will report to me.
Director – Commercial Development
Les Wigan has accepted the role of Director – Commercial Development which will drive national strategies for our classified segments as well as News’ digital sites. Most recently, Les was director of operations at NDM. This suits Les’ strong commercial, consumer and digital skill set. Prior to working at NDM, Les was at BSkyB in the UK. Les will report to Jerry Harris.
I will be announcing other regional appointments in state operating divisions, Victoria and Queensland, over the course of this week.
With every good wish,
Kim
Tim Burrowes founded Mumbrella in 2008. He worked on Mumbrella until 2021. At various points he was editor, content director and editor-at-large.
Linkedin
There are no women on this list of executives. What is Kim Williams thinking?
User ID not verified.
@Rachael maybe he was thinking that he would hire people based on ability not gender… god forbid.
User ID not verified.
And given that this is News Ltd – run for decades as a boy’s club – there are precious few women in the upper echelons to choose from…
User ID not verified.
It’s (almost) understandable when engineering/tech firms have few women at the top as there are few women who enter university courses in those fields so there’s a much smaller pool to draw on. But journalism/publishing is full to the brim with smart, ambitious women.
User ID not verified.