NZME strengthens commitment to premium journalism with key appointments

New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME) today announced two senior leadership appointments reflecting its continued commitment to trusted, quality journalism, expanding its premium content offering and increasing its presence in Christchurch and across the South Island. The company has also appointed a new Chair of its Editorial Advisory Board.

Miriyana Alexander appointed NZ Herald Associate Editor

Highly respected journalist and former NZME senior newsroom leader Miriyana Alexander has been appointed to the role of Associate Editor of the NZ Herald, based in Christchurch, with a particular focus on the South Island and the Herald's premium journalism offering.

Alexander is one of New Zealand's most experienced journalists and editors. She returns to the Herald having previously worked as Premium Content Editor where she helped develop, launch and grow the Herald's Premium subscription product. She was most recently Chair of NZME's Editorial Advisory Board.

NZ Herald Editor-in-Chief Murray Kirkness says: "Miri returning to the front-line of Herald journalism is a real coup. She is an incredible newsroom leader and award-winning journalist. Her innate ability to connect with audiences and tell stories that matter will be invaluable to us. Miri will be warmly welcomed back by our teams across the country and she will help us continue setting the bar in delivering journalism that matters.

“She’ll also provide specific expertise and insights as we strengthen our presence in Christchurch and grow our coverage of Canterbury and South Island stories. Miri will be a fantastic addition to NZME’s Christchurch-based news team, working with our talented southern journalists ably led by Kurt Bayer at the Herald and Claire Sherwood from Newstalk ZB. And her business acumen and strategic experience will be welcomed by NZME more widely as we continue to strengthen in the Mainland.”

Alexander says she’s thrilled to return to the Herald’s senior editorial leadership team.

“I am so excited to be back with the Herald, especially based in thriving Christchurch. I can’t wait to rejoin the team and help deliver New Zealand’s best journalism.”

Alexander will commence her new role on 4 March.

Matt Martel appointed Publisher - BusinessDesk

NZME has appointed Matt Martel to the newly created role of Publisher - BusinessDesk, as the company moves to accelerate growth of its specialist business news platform.

Martel was part of the team that sold BusinessDesk to NZME and he brings more than three decades of publishing, technology and journalistic experience across New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom. As Publisher, he will be responsible for driving BusinessDesk's growth across audience, subscriptions and advertising revenue, including its content strategy and brand development.

Matt Wilson, NZME’s Chief Publishing Officer says Martel’s appointment signals a new phase for BusinessDesk within NZME.

“Matt’s appointment demonstrates confidence in the strength of the BusinessDesk masthead, journalism and commercial offering. There is a strong appetite for quality business news in New Zealand, and BusinessDesk is well placed to continue to capitalise on that. Matt's vast journalistic experience, his strong business community networks and knowledge of audiences, technology and content, as well as his passion for the brand, make him the ideal person to lead this new chapter for BusinessDesk.”

Martel says: “I love BusinessDesk and I’ve been impressed with how it has advanced under NZME ownership. It is the biggest and best specialist news publisher in New Zealand with an impressive journalistic staff. Now, we get the opportunity to build something even bigger and better."

Martel will work alongside Duncan Bridgeman - NZME Managing Editor - Business and BusinessDesk editor Victoria Young in the new role, which he commenced on 1 March.

Hamish Rutherford appointed new Chair of NZME Editorial Advisory Board

With Miriyana Alexander moving into her new role as Associate Editor of the NZ Herald, Hamish Rutherford has been appointed to Chair the NZME Editorial Advisory Board.

Rutherford's career spans journalism and public affairs, including working as the NZ Herald's Wellington Business Editor before becoming Chief Press Secretary to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Most recently he has worked as a government relations and corporate affairs consultant, based in the capital city.

Steven Joyce, NZME Board Chair says: “I’d like to thank Miriyana for the work she’s done leading the Editorial Advisory Board since its inception and I'm pleased to welcome Hamish to the role. The EAB exists to provide advice, support and constructive challenge to NZME's editorial leadership, and Hamish’s extensive experience across journalism and public affairs will be invaluable in the role. I’m confident he’ll do an excellent job leading the EAB.”

Rutherford commenced his role as Chair on 1 March.

ENDS