Strategic management changes at M&G Media

6 Aug 2009

Hoosain Karjieker has been appointed CE and Anastacia Martin publisher of all print and online operations at M&G Media; current CE Trevor Ncube will move into the position of executive deputy chairman. This succession plan should see new blood running the day-to-day operations, while freeing Ncube to focus on strategic issues and explore business opportunities in Zimbabwe and the region.

Martin, previously MD for publishing in the group, allegedly becomes the first female and black newspaper publisher of a major media house in South Africa.

Unanimously approved

Hoosain Karjieker.

This restructuring of management, which is effective as of 1 September 2009, was unanimously approved at a board meeting last week Friday 31 July and announced by chairperson Professor Malegapuru Makgoba on Tuesday 4 August.

Karjieker, previously COO, and Martin will both be taking on additional responsibilities from Ncube, who earlier this year announced plans to launch NewsDay, a new daily in Zimbabwe. This project is awaiting government approval and is expected to take more of Ncube's time. Ncube owns two other newspapers in Zimbabwe, namely, The Zimbabwe Independent and the Standard, among other business interests.

Following the announcement, Ncube said, “We have exceptional talent in the company and I am delighted that Hoosain and Anastacia are being given an opportunity to run the company and we are confident they will take the company to the next level. I have done my bit and believe I should step back and give space and empower fresh thinking in the company.”

Recognition of contribution

Makgoba said the move was in part recognition of the contribution the pair has made to the company, adding, “Hoosain has effectively been running the company while Anastacia has been exceptional and has impressed the board with her talent, dedication and work rate. The board is confident this pair will succeed and urges the staff to support them.”

Karjieker said he was honoured and humbled by the recognition and looked forward to consolidating and growing the company in a competitive and depressed trading environment. “We have a powerful brand and a passionate and talented team and I look forward to the challenge that has been placed before me.”

Martin, who takes over as newspapers face the stiff challenge from the Internet, said, “Our brands are unique and our quality audience is key to sustainable growth, expanding markets and introducing new products across multi- platforms. We will continue to give our readers and advertisers brands that they can trust 24/7.”

These changes follow the appointment of Nic Dawes to the position of editor-in-chief of the company in July after Ferial Haffajee left to be editor-in-chief at City Press, and appointment of Chris Roper, former editor-in-chief of 24.com, as editor of the M&G Online since August.

• M&G Media is the owner of the Mail &Guardian newspaper and M&G Online, South Africa's oldest newspaper website. The company recently reacquired 65% of the shareholding in www.mg.co.za from 24.com. M&G Media also publishes the monthly Teacher newspaper and is 50% owner of Media Distribution Africa, a newspaper and magazine distribution company based in Cape Town.