Fairfax NZ chief exits for Australia

The chief executive of Fairfax New Zealand is leaving the post to take up the role of Fairfax Australia's chief operating officer.

Fairfax said Brian Evans would assume the new role no later than May 1, and a search for a replacement was under way.

Evans was appointed chief executive officer in April 2003 and was responsible for all the mastheads and publishing businesses bought by Fairfax for A$1.1 billion in 2003.

Fred Hilmer, chief executive officer to Fairfax staff in Australia and New Zealand, said Evans would have direct responsibility for metropolitan, regional and community newspapers and group operations.

To provide continuity, Evans will remain a member of Fairfax NZ's advisory council.

- NZPA