Fairfax Media has appointed Jack Matthews to the role of chief executive of its newly formed Metropolitan Media department.
Matthews has been chief executive of Fairfax Digital since 2006 and will now be in charge of the new unit which combines Fairfax's print and online properties in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Canberra.
The announcement follows a three-month search for a chief executive for the division after a restructure of Faiifax Media was announced by former chief executive Brian McCarthy in November last year.
The restructure, overseen by management consultants Bain & Co, had been precipitated by what the Fairfax board had declared to be a lack of clear vision on the direction of the company from both Matthews and McCarthy.
Matthews is now tasked with integrating the metropolitan mastheads, including The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Age, with their digital divisions.
"Jack has vast experience in digital media, having presided over Australia's two leading online news sites smh.com.au and theage.com.au," said Fairfax Media chief executive Greg Hywood.
"He brings to the role a strong commitment to independent journalism. His commercial skills will place us at the forefront of innovative developments in the publishing industry."
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