The chief executive of the new-look Nine Entertainment Co, Hugh Marks, has revealed to staff the extent of redundancies as Fairfax and Nine come together in the next few days.
In a note to all staff today, Marks said: “The new corporate structure is designed to strengthen our offerings to audiences and clients, including maximising our combined ability to invest in quality Australian content and journalism.”
The new group will be split into four operating divisions with management as follows:
Australian Community Media, Printing and Stuff – Led by Allen Williams, managing director community and printing. The New Zealand business, Stuff, will report through to Allen but continues to be run by CEO Sinead Boucher.
Publishing, including, Metro Mastheads, Nine Digital and Events, – will be led by Chris Janz as managing director, publishing.
Stan – led by CEO Mike Sneesby.
Television – led by Michael Healy as director of television.
Greg Barnes will be chief financial officer.
Michael Stephenson will continue in his role as chief sales officer with Lizzie Young continuing as group director of content strategy, which includes Powered.
Other corporate appointments include Alexi Baker as director of strategy and corporate development, Rachel Launders as general counsel and company secretary and Vanessa Morley as director of people and culture.
Domain will continue to be led by Jason Pellegrino and Macquarie Radio led by Adam Lang. Both businesses will remain as separately listed companies with independent boards.
Marks noted that a total of 144 roles will be made redundant due to duplication and some vacant positions will no longer be required. This impacts approximately 92 people.
Mark said: “We have spoken to or will speak to those affected as soon as possible so that all employees have clarity and certainty before we commence operations as a combined business.
“Where appropriate our aim is to immediately redeploy affected employees or if this is not possible they will have immediate access to outplacement services and support through the Nine and Fairfax employee assistance programs.”