New CEO for Media24

Media24 announced yesterday, Thursday, 12 June 2008, that it has appointed Francois Groepe to succeed Hein Brand, who is heading off to grow Naspers' business interests in South America on 1 July.

Francois Groepe, professor Jakes Gerwel, MEC Lynne Brown and Hein Brand at the Media24 directors’ luncheon, where Groepe was welcomed as the new CEO.

Francois, whose qualifications include an MBA and LLB, used to occupy a senior financial position at Swiss Re in Europe. Since 2003 he was part of the group's executive management team, initially as financial head of Media24. During this period he quickly achieved success and acquired a thorough understanding of the media landscape in which Media24 competes. Groepe is a director of the South African Reserve Bank and a member of the Board of Stellenbosch University. He represents the group on the boards of various subsidiaries and industry bodies.

“I'm looking forward to the new challenge and to continue building on the foundation my predecessors have laid. It will be a privilege to lead a group with such talented editorial and business people,” Groepe said regarding his new role.