NZME executive Dean Buchanan leaves the company

NZME entertainment executive Dean Buchanan.

NZME entertainment executive Dean Buchanan is leaving the company.

Buchanan, NZME's Group Director Entertainment, leaves the company on November 29.

Buchanan has led the strategy, successful integration and execution of NZME's entertainment channels across radio, publishing magazines, digital, social and video.

"I came to New Zealand six years ago with a mission to relaunch the radio brands and that started with hiring Fletch, Vaughan and Megan to ZM," Buchanan said.

"Since then we have changed up every major show on every brand, attracting many of New Zealand's highest profile and favourite personalities. With some of our best radio ratings in years in the commercial demos, it's time to move on.

"When APN and TRN merged, I also loved picking up the world of publishing, especially working with the likes of Shayne Currie and the editors and enjoyed spearheading the redesign of the BeWell and Viva magazines.

"The readership growth of the magazines, including Travel and TimeOut, has been phenomenal and I've loved every moment of it".

Michael Boggs, CEO NZME, said "Dean can be proud of his time at NZME. Dean's energy and enthusiasm are unparalleled and having a brand champion like Dean at the executive table is invaluable for a CEO. I wish him well in his next adventures".

Buchanan said "it's rare to have the opportunity to go out on top and look forward to the next challenge".

"I was lucky enough to put together a very special team across multiple channels, who have had a great year and more importantly, are set up for an exciting 2020 and beyond."