Fairfax Media names Chris Janz as MD of metro publishing division

“It involves even greater primacy of our digital publishing focus, delivering unrivalled news and information products to our customers, and sustaining a commercially successful print proposition.

“While we have considered many options, the model we have developed involves continuing to print our publications daily for some years yet.”

Williams, who has been in the role for just over three years, takes on a new role as managing director, publishing transition and will report to Hywood.

“This role involves ensuring the success of our publishing model. Allen continues to have oversight of Australian Community Media and Printing & Distribution operations,” Hywood said.

According to the note from Hywood, the new Metro management team “will include several new roles”.

“This team will reshape functions in line with our strategy and develop transition plans as necessary. This means investing in the product development, journalism and content required to guarantee the future of our mastheads,” he said.

“The Metro publishing business will incorporate Life Media so they can take advantage of technological innovation and align with the overarching Metro publishing strategy. Events will remain focused on delivering its strategy and continue to report to Andrew McEvoy.”

Hywood concluded his note saying Fairfax Media’s “journalism delivers a public good through its relentless questioning of powerful institutions and individuals”.

“Our communities are better off as a result of it. They depend on our role in an open, transparent and democratic society.

“It is our collective responsibility to make sure we make the necessary changes to our business to secure its future. It is crucial we do so.”

Janz’s appointment follows on from the resignation of The Sydney Morning Herald’s editor-in-chief, Darren Goodsir, yesterday.