Australian Gourmet Traveller announces Sarah Oakes as new editor
Former Fairfax Media editor Sarah Oakes has been appointed as Australian Gourmet Traveller’s new editor, replacing Anthea Loucas.
Oakes said: “I want to find new ways to connect with and excite our audience and to engage a new generation of readers.”
Oakes has returned from the US after a two year stint freelancing in Washington. Prior to that, she worked as editor-in-chief at Pacific Magazines’ Girlfriend from 2004 to 2008. She then moved to Bauer Media’s Cleo for two-and-a-half years.
She then turned to Fairfax’s inserted magazine Sunday Life as editor-in-chief before the company’s female focused website Daily Life, working in the role for just over three years.
Loucas’ departure was announced last year citing “a move back to Melbourne with her family.
Oakes said: “The challenge ahead is always to grow and evolve the brand across all platforms, and to introduce new ones, without sacrificing the high quality our readers expect.”
Cornelia Schulze, general manager of food and homes at Bauer Media, said: “The calibre of candidates was extremely high and I want to thank all those that applied. Sarah’s vision for Gourmet and how she wants to take it to the next level shone through. I’m excited to see her execute on that plan.”
The move sees Oakes once again working with ex PacMags boss Nick Chan, who is now CEO of Bauer Media. Chan said: “Sarah brings a wealth of experience to Bauer and is perfectly suited to lead Gourmet Traveller as it continues to engage with its dedicated and passionate audience across platforms. I’m delighted she is joining us.”
Deputy editor Pat Nourse has been promoted to managing editor and will act as editor of Gourmet Traveller until Oakes commences the role in May.
Abigail Dawson was Mumbrella's senior content journalist covering event content. She left Mumbrella to move into an agency role in 2020.
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This is a generic appointment, How can someone from Dolly know anything seriously about food? That is editorial appointment 101, sorry.
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Didn’t Sarah ostensibly turn Cleo into Girlfriend? The beginning of the end, no?
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Is it too much to ask for some (any?) actual expertise in food content? She may have expertise in “women’s issues” but there is scant evidence that she knows anything about food. Depressing (and dangerous given the audience of this magazine.)
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Editorial 101, I find it disappointing how you selectively read what you wanted from the article. After you realise it was actually the Girlfriend magazine, you may research Sarah’s broad range of experience and talent.
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Would just like to see the Gourmet Institute at Harvey Norman continue this year. Any news on that?
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Would like to know if the Harvey Norman Gourmet classes are continuing this year. Any news on that?
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The new iPad version of GT is terrible!! I use to be able to click on a recipe from the index and be taken to it, Now its a JUST a magazine! Not what a electronicaketen verdien should be, Plessers go back
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