New executive officer for W&H group

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Wilson & Horton, publisher of the New Zealand Herald, has appointed Craig Marsh as group executive officer, a new role responsible for the company's new media and specialist printing and a wide range of group support services such as information technology.

Mr Marsh, 43, has extensive new technology experience from his two most recent posts. Currently he is chief executive of PMP Communications (NZ), a magazine, printing and marketing group. Previously, he was general manager of Telecom Directories.

"Craig's appointment will enable me to increase my focus on the development of Wilson & Horton's largest business, the New Zealand Herald, and our two primary business units, commercial printing and regional newspapers," said John Sanders, Wilson & Horton's chief executive.

"Craig will report directly to me and will play a significant role along with the rest of my senior management team as we position Wilson & Horton as the major New Zealand media player in the digital era."

At PMP Mr Marsh's responsibilities include Pinpoint Marketing, the magazine and catalogue printer Bascands and Pacific Magazines, which publishes titles such as New Idea and TV Hits.

He said his main achievements were restructuring the group's printing and distribution, acquiring Weddings magazine and installing an internet-based call centre.

At Telecom Directories, a key success was putting the Yellow and White pages directories on the internet with supporting on-line business services for advertisers.

Mr Marsh said Wilson & Horton's "future-based thinking" was a prime attraction of joining the group. "I'll have eight toes in the new world of media and two in the old."