NZME Boss Jane Hastings exits

After 18 months in the top job, NZME chief executive Jane Hastings has resigned today, to be replaced by the current CFO, Michael Boggs. Hastings will finish on April 8.

NZME operates the New Zealand Herald, and a number of radio brands in New Zealand including ZM, The Hits, Hauraki and NewsTalk ZB.

Hastings said:

“I am extremely proud of achieving the transformation goals set for NZME and I have complete confidence in the future of the business. I have worked with an incredible team of people at NZME who are all exceptionally talented and dedicated. 

I am also delighted to have a strong executive team and to be able to see the successor appointed from within the team will ensure the momentum continues. I am confident that the momentum is there for NZME to continue to grow its audiences and expand its content-driven offering.”

In a note to staff Hastings said:

“As CEO, a lot of the decisions made are for the medium and long term. It is due to this, that the right thing to do is handover the role to Michael in the short term. My last day in the office will be 8 April and Michael will drive the business forward from this point.”

“So the key questions for a ‘curious’ bunch is ‘what’s next for Jane?’. I am excited to take the time to review my options and you will be the first to know when my decision is made.”

APN CEO Ciaran Davis said:

“Jane successfully led the strategy and merger of NZME, which had never been done before, to result in a fully integrated content and multiplatform media business. This places the business at the cutting edge in delivering media and entertainment content. The integrated content creation and sales proposition, offering clients multi-platform solutions and creating strong growth in new revenue streams, is delivering commercial success.”

The new CEO Michael Boggs has been with NZME for 12 months, and commented:

“I am delighted to be continuing the positive momentum Jane has started in transforming NZME into an integrated media powerhouse. I look forward to working with NZME’s management team and staff, together with the APN board, in realising NZME’s potential.”