News Corp appoints Kerrie McCallum as editorial director of premium food and travel
Editor-in-chief of Delicious, Kerrie McCallum, has been promoted into a new role, overseeing the editorial direction and development of News Corp Australia’s premium food and travel portfolio.
In the role, McCallum will also be the editor-in-chief of Escape, reporting to managing director, food and travel Fiona Nilsson. McCallum will assume responsibility of Escape and continue to oversee Delicious.
Nilsson said McCallum’s experience with Delicious made her the right choice to oversee the entire portfolio.
“Kerrie is a talented editor with a proven track record in developing products that connect with consumers and clients. This promotion acknowledges her success with the market-leading Delicious. brand and its high performing network across digital, video, social, print and events,” said Nilsson.
“I’m delighted she will now spearhead our travel offering, evolving the strategic direction of the portfolio and identifying new opportunities and partnerships.”
With more than 20 years publishing experience McCallum has been the editor-in-chief of delicious. since 2014. She said she was delighted to be taking the helm of the new brands in her portfolio.
“I’m really excited by the opportunity of expanding our premium food and travel portfolios through bold content that connects with consumer aspirations, new contributors across key categories and evocative picture-led experiences,” said McCallum.
“The Escape brand is trusted, it is big, powerful and it works, and it is also ripe for growth and development as we get ready to shake off the isolation shackles and discover what’s in our own backyard. I can’t wait to begin.”
Alongside McCallum’s promotion, Jana Frawley has also been appointed content director for Escape and John Hannan has become digital director of Delicious and Escape.
Rachael Delalande, current marketing and commercial director, News DNA, has been appointed general manager marketing and commercial, food and travel. All appointments are effective immediately.
News Corp Australia has recently gone through a number of changes across its portfolio. Women’s network Whimn was closed, with Stellar and Body + Soul combining. Stellar editor Sarrah Le Marquand was announced editor of the new combined product.
Another major restructure saw News Digital Networks Australia (News DNA) boss Julian Delany promoted to chief technology officer of data and digital, national sales managing director Lou Barrett become leader of all sales divisions, and managing director of mergers, acquisitions and strategy, Richard Skimin, appointed managing director of news.com.au, Kidspot and Whimn.
There have been more closures across the network too. A change of its editorial operations across metro titles saw a number of roles cut, while 100 print titles have disappeared from the business, resulting in hundreds of job cuts.
