Press Editor Appointed To Top Fairfax Position

28 September, 2007

Media Statement

Press Editor Appointed To Top Fairfax Media Editorial Position

Fairfax Media has appointed Paul Thompson, Editor of the Press, to the newly created position of Group Executive Editor.

Mr Thompson's new role involves the continued development of quality news gathering and content across Fairfax Media's three business platforms of newspapers, online and magazines. He will relocate to Wellington, and report to the Chief Executive.

Chief Executive of Fairfax Media, Joan Withers, said Paul was the outstanding candidate for the position from a strong field of applicants.

"To be able to appoint such a suitable person from within our ranks underlines the outstanding quality and breadth of Fairfax Media's editorial talent.

"Paul is a distinguished editor of one of the country's most respected agenda setting metropolitan newspapers, and during his six-year tenure has shown strong leadership, sound judgement, and built the paper's reputation for accuracy, fairness and balance.

"He has transformed The Press, and for the past two years it has been acknowledged as the country's best newspaper in the Qantas Media Awards.

"Many of the innovations he has brought to The Press have become standard practice across Fairfax Media newspapers.

"He has superb credentials to lead Fairfax Media's editorial team into the digital age, and ensure we achieve world best standards and practices"

Mr Thompson said that he welcomed the opportunity to be in the forefront of the challenges facing editorial as media usage changed.

"My role is to make sure Fairfax Media's journalism and information services serve our readers even better than they do now."

"In my new role I will work with our editors and other senior staff to improve our publications, launch new ones and lift our already high standard of journalism."

Prior to becoming Editor of The Press, Mr Thompson was Editor of the Nelson Mail.

Group Editor, John Crowley, Editorial Development Manager, Clive Lind and General Manager Sport, Trevor McKewen will continue in their current roles. All will report to the Group Executive Editor.

ENDS

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