Fairfax Digital – new head

MEDIA RELEASE

6 December 2007

FAIRFAX MEDIA APPOINTS NEW DIGITAL HEAD

Fairfax Media has appointed Stephen Smith to the position of Group Head of Digital.

Prior to accepting the Fairfax Media position, Stephen headed Vodafone’s media and entertainment operations.

Stephen will be responsible for Fairfax Media’s Online division, which includes stuff.co.nz, rugbyheaven.co.nz, and the online sites of the company’s newspapers and magazines.

He will also liaise closely with Trade Me and Fairfax Digital in Australia.

Mr Smith is a high profile media executive, and was for eight months Acting Chief Executive of Television New Zealand. He spent 16 years with TVNZ in a variety of positions including Assistant Chief Executive and Head of Programmes, Head of Online Operations and General Manager of TV2.

He will report to Fairfax Media’s Chief Executive Joan Withers.

Ms Withers said Fairfax Media’s Online division had enjoyed rapid growth and development over the last two years, and was already the most significant in the country.

“Stephen has a wealth of experience and expertise in online operations, and senior leadership roles and brings to Fairfax the skills to make our business even more successful,” she said.

“He will play a significant role as our newspaper, magazine and online platforms provide even greater integrated news, information and entertainment services to New Zealand audiences, and provide cost effective ways for advertisers to reach those audiences.”  He will also be a key participant in the senior management team.

Mr Smith said “I am looking forward to joining a great company with a proud record of innovation and an appetite for embracing the future of the digital media.”