News Corp Australia has announced changes to its Executive Leadership Team and State Managing Director structure, following Mark Reinke’s decision to retire from full-time executive roles at the end of the financial year.
Reinke’s career has spanned 40 years across metals and mining, telecommunications, financial services and media.
He joined News Corp Australia’s leadership team in 2019 and has played a role in scaling the company’s digital subscription businesses and leading publishing across State & Communities.
Mark Reinke to retire
News Corp Australia’s Michael Miller (Executive Chairman) said Reinke had told him earlier this year that he would retire from full-time executive roles to focus on personal business interests.
Michael Miller: “Mark Reinke told me earlier this year that after 40 years in the corporate world, he has decided it was time to retire from full-time executive roles to focus on personal business interests from the end of this financial year.”
Miller said Reinke’s impact had been significant since joining the leadership team.
“Mark’s passion for our business, strategic insights and belief in our purpose have made a real difference.
“I am personally grateful for the leadership, energy and dedication he brought to every role, but more so for his good nature and the genuine care he shows for his colleagues.
“Mark hasn’t just built businesses here; he has built lasting friendships. While we will miss his counsel, he leaves a business positioned for the future.”
New publishing leadership
The changes will take effect from June 8.
Nicholas Gray has been appointed Managing Director and Publisher, State & Communities.
Gray has spent 14 years with News Corp Australia and has built a track record in scaling digital growth. In the role, he will work with the company’s state and regional mastheads as they continue to operate as digital publishers for their communities.
Mike Connaghan has been appointed Managing Director and Publisher, The Australian & Prestige, while continuing to lead News Corp Australia’s Commercial Content agencies.
Since joining News in 2020, Connaghan has built a creative portfolio spanning food, health, travel and audio. The company said bringing Prestige assets and agency experts closer together will create more sophisticated solutions for clients looking to connect with influential audiences.
Free News & Lifestyle remains under the leadership of Pippa Leary, who will continue to grow the reach of the company’s free news and lifestyle titles.
State Managing Director changes
News Corp Australia is also adjusting its State Managing Director structure, with a focus on commercial growth and advocacy.
Laura Maxwell will expand her role to become State Managing Director, Queensland, and Commercial Director.
With oversight of the Northern businesses, Maxwell will also lead commercial product development nationally across the State & Communities publishing group.
John Lehmann will relocate to become State Managing Director, Victoria/Tasmania and Advocacy Director.
With oversight of the Southern businesses, Lehmann will also lead the evolution and scaling of the company’s national advocacy agenda.
Zac Skulander has been promoted to State Managing Director for New South Wales.
Skulander will continue his national work across Product and Partnerships while expanding his remit to focus on the NSW business.
Melissa Librandi will continue as State Managing Director for South Australia, Northern Territory and Western Australia.
Agostino Giramondo exits
Following the changes, Agostino Giramondo has decided to leave News Corp Australia to pursue new opportunities.
News Corp Australia thanked Giramondo for his work, including evolving The Weekly Times and overseeing Victorian operations and Melbourne teams.
The company said he leaves a “strong legacy of connection” with Victorian and Tasmanian communities.
FY27 focus
News Corp Australia said the changes signal its intent for FY27, with a focus on building on its publisher model to become more agile, integrated and connected to audiences.
“These changes signal our clear intent for FY27: we are building on the proven strength of our publisher model to be more agile, integrated, and connected to our audiences than ever before,” Miller concluded.
Top Image: Mark Reinke