APN extends CEO's contract until 2009

Trans Tasman media group APN News & Media has extended its chief executive's contract for three years.

Brendan Hopkins' contract now runs through to 2009.

APN deputy chairman Ted Harris said APN had profitably grown and expanded so far under Mr Hopkins.

"The Australian media industry is entering a new era of challenges and opportunities and APN believes it is fortunate that it will have the continuing commitment of its chief executive to lead the company through to 2009," Mr Harris said.

Last week the head of APN's New Zealand operations, Ken Steinke, announced he was leaving the role to head up West Australian Newspapers.

Mr Steinke will remain at APN while a replacement is found.

* APN owns nzherald.co.nz, the New Zealand Herald, Herald on Sunday, Aucklander and other papers throughout the country. It is also joint owner of The Radio Network.


- NZPA