Peter Tonagh and Michael Miller to lead News Corp as Ciaran Davis steps up at APN
Tonagh
Miller
Australia’s largest newspaper publisher has this morning confirmed a major management shakeup with News CEO Julian Clarke announcing he will retire at the end of the year.
Clarke, who came out of retirement to take the role in 2013, will be replaced by COO Peter Tonagh as CEO and with APN boss Michael Miller announcing he will return to his former employer as executive chairman of News Corp Australasia.
In a separate announcement APN News & Media has confirmed Miller’s departure, announcing the boss of the Australian Radio Network Ciaran Davis would be promoted to replace him.
The management shakeup at News has been rumoured for months with both Tonagh and Miller seen as the frontrunners to replace Clarke.
In a statement, Robert Thomson News Corp CEO said the publisher plans to use Australia as a base for Asian expansion, with Miller expected to lead an acquisitions and start-ups strategy for both Australia and Asia.
“Our clear plan is to use Australia as a base for a significant expansion of our presence in Asia, while ensuring that our traditional businesses in Australia are developed to their full potential,” said Thomson.
“Whether in broadcasting or the powerful platform that is print or in digital classifieds, we have a team that will vigorously pursue growth and strive to inculcate the sense of social purpose that has always been the cornerstone of the News Corp culture.
“We must all recognise the genuinely extraordinary work of Julian Clarke, who has helped to fortify the foundations for our future, and done so with dignity, creativity and integrity. Julian’s contribution to the company and to Australia will echo for many, many years to come.”
Tonagh has been in the operating role at News Corp since August 2013 and before that worked at Foxtel while Miller is a News Corp veteran who left in May 2013 and has since led a financial revival at APN.
Davis
The appointment of ARN boss Ciaran Davis comes after he lead a major turn around in their radio division helping establish the KiisFM brand nationally and also leading a rebrand on classic hit FM network Pure Gold.
On Davis’ appointment APN chairman Peter Cosgrove said: “Ciaran’s outstanding leadership and successes at ARN, including taking the Company to be Australia’s number one metropolitan radio network, made him the natural successor to replace Michael Miller.
“Ciaran’s ability to execute and communicate complex business plans, overlaid with years of international media experience, means he is ideally placed to build on the strong momentum and growth strategy we have in place.”
Nic Christensen
The announcements:
News Corp Australia statement:
Senior Executive Changes at News Corp Australia
News Corp today announced that Julian Clarke will retire at the end of this year as the Australian division’s CEO.
Peter Tonagh, currently the chief operating officer will take over as CEO and Michael Miller, currently CEO of APN, will rejoin the company as Executive Chairman of News Corp Australasia.
Both appointments will report to News Corporation CEO Mr Robert Thomson, who heads the company’s global operations.
Mr Thomson said with Michael Miller and Peter Tonagh leading News in Australia and beyond, News Corp has the region’s two most talented executives driving the development of the company, confronting the challenges that face all media companies, and taking full advantage of the opportunities generated by digital disruption.
“Our clear plan is to use Australia as a base for a significant expansion of our presence in Asia, while ensuring that our traditional businesses in Australia are developed to their full potential.
“Whether in broadcasting or the powerful platform that is print or in digital classifieds, we have a team that will vigorously pursue growth and strive to inculcate the sense of social purpose that has always been the cornerstone of the News Corp culture.
“We must all recognise the genuinely extraordinary work of Julian Clarke, who has helped to fortify the foundations for our future, and done so with dignity, creativity and integrity. Julian’s contribution to the company and to Australia will echo for many, many years to come,” Mr Thomson said.
APN News & Media statement:
APN News & Media Limited (ASX, NZX: APN) today announced the resignation of chief executive officer Michael Miller following his appointment as executive chairman of News Corp for Australasia.
APN has also announced the appointment of Ciaran Davis as chief executive officer of the Group, effective 1 September 2015. Ciaran is currently CEO of the Australian Radio Network (ARN), a position he has held since January 2010. Mr Miller will remain as APN’s CEO during a transition period for the company.
APN Chairman Peter Cosgrove said: “I would like to thank Michael for his significant contribution as CEO of the Company. He has done an excellent job setting the growth platform for APN and building a strong leadership team.
“Michael will work side by side with Ciaran to ensure the smoothest possible transition for the business, and, on behalf of the Board, we wish Michael all the best in his future endeavours.”
On Mr Davis’ appointment, Mr Cosgrove said: “Ciaran’s outstanding leadership and successes at ARN, including taking the Company to be Australia’s number one metropolitan radio network, made him the natural successor to replace Michael Miller.
“Ciaran’s ability to execute and communicate complex business plans, overlaid with years of international media experience, means he is ideally placed to build on the strong momentum and growth strategy we have in place.”
ARN has a strong leadership team that has been developed under Ciaran’s stewardship and Mr Davis will continue to oversee the radio business in Australia while a recruitment process occurs for his successor.
