Bauer Media has named former Seven West Media COO Nick Chan as its new CEO, five months after David Goodchild stepped back from the top job.
Andreas Schoo has been filling the role on an interim basis since Goodchild stepped back. He previously told AdNews that the hunt for the new CEO was getting warmer and he hoped a permanent leader would be installed by the middle of the year.
Prior to working at Seven West, Chan ran Pacific Magazines for 10 years. He started his publishing career at ACP Magazines, which Bauer Media acquired in 2012, where he worked for 18 years, rising to become COO. He also chaired the magazine industry’s peak body, Magazine Publishers of Australia.
In addition to Bauer Media, Chan will oversee digital division Bauer Xcel Media, content business BauerWorks, Bauer Trader Media and Bauer Books.
Commenting on Chan's appointment Schoo says: “We are delighted Nick is joining Bauer Media to head our Australia and New Zealand operations. His understanding of the media market and leadership experience is extensive and he brings that knowledge to Bauer at an exciting time in the company’s development.
“Having run media businesses for many years, Nick is aware of the challenges facing the industry and publishers in particular and he has shown great strategic insight into how to best manage this evolution. As a multiplatform media business spanning magazines, digital and live experience I believe he is best placed to ensure the future prosperity of Bauer Media.”
Bauer had a tumultuous 2015, with sales lead Tony Kendall departing the publisher for the top job at ARN; Cleo closed its doors; and youth-focused title Dolly shifted to an “online-first” model, going bi-monthly in print.
Schoo also previously told AdNews that while the publisher has been increasingly focusing on digital, there is still room for magazines.
“I think there is room for magazines not only to 2020, but also for a decade later,” Schoo said. “For example, 400,000 people are buying Women's Weekly every month. Well produced magazines have a good opportunity for the future.”
Chan is expected to start in the role mid-year.
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