Independent News & Media strengthens management team

Mr Brendan Hopkins, currently Chief Executive of INM's UK division, has been appointed Chief Executive of APN News & Media ['APN'], Australia's 4th largest media group. INM has a 44.5% shareholding in APN, a A$1.6 billion company. Mr Hopkins will be responsible for APN's expanding interests in newspapers, radio and outdoor advertising in Australasia and the Far East.

Mr Ivan Fallon, Chief Executive of INM's South Africa division, has been appointed Chief Executive of the Group's UK operations, which include the Independent, Independent on Sunday and the Belfast Telegraph Group, as well as magazine, regional newspapers and exhibition businesses. He will also be responsible for the group's substantial investments in Portugal. Before going to South Africa in 1994, Mr Fallon, was deputy editor of The Sunday Times and a distinguished financial journalist. He will retain his position as non-Executive Chairman of iTouch plc, in which INM is the largest shareholder.

Mr Tony Howard, currently COO of INM's South African division, has been promoted to Chief Executive, following 30 distinguished years of service with the company. The South African business is the largest newspaper group in the country, with 15 leading newspaper titles and, through its partnership with Clear Channel International, it is the largest outdoor advertising group in Africa, operating in 17 countries.

Commenting on the appointments, Sir Anthony O'Reilly, Executive Chairman of Independent News & Media PLC, said: "Independent is exceptionally fortunate in having such a tremendously resourceful management team, with people of experience, skill, energy and - perhaps most important of all - proven judgement. Today's appointments, add to a recently strengthened management team comprising: Gavin O'Reilly, Group Chief Operating Officer; Donal Buggy, Group Chief Financial Officer; Vincent Crowley, CE - INM (Ireland) and James Parkinson, Chairman - APN.

"Australia remains a major focus for the company, and there are a number of exciting opportunities for further expansion in that region. Last year's amalgamation with Wilson & Horton has created a media company with significant potential and a powerful management team which Brendan - who has done superbly in the ferociously competitive UK market - will now lead. Brendan will also be exploring opportunities in India where Liam Healy, the group's deputy chairman, has been working actively with potential partners.

"Ivan's return to London after eight years brings his singular editorial and management experience to a team which has proven itself through circulation battles, price wars and a tough advertising environment. Tony Howard has earned his new position, as evidenced by the strong performance of the group's titles in recent years.

"We now have an invigorated and fresh management team which I know will take the company forward through this advertising cycle and into a prosperous and successful future."