Fairfax Digital makes top NZ appointment

A tech-savvy Australian has been appointed the New Zealand group head of Australasian media organisation Fairfax Digital.

Nic Cola has been seconded from Fairfax in Sydney to take up the role, Fairfax Media chief executive officer Joan Withers announced last night.

Cola, currently Director – News, Information and Entertainment for Fairfax Digital in Australia, will commence his new role in Wellington this week.

The move is part of Fairfax's plans to beef up the digital side of its media efforts here.

"A key priority for Fairfax Media in 2006 is to implement news and information digital strategy and this appointment will trigger early rollout of a number of initiatives", Ms Withers said.

"Nic's leadership of digital in New Zealand also enhances our ability to make the best possible use of content management systems across the Tasman, and migrate online production opportunities here rapidly."

Mr Cola was instrumental in the growth of leading Australian news sites smh.com.au (Sydney Morning Herald) and theage.com.au (Melbourne's The Age).

Ms Withers said an exciting development in the Australasian group was the fast-moving growth of collaboration and connection across the whole business, which has been a key focus area for John Fairfax Holdings chief executive officer, David Kirk, since his appointment to the role.