THE Mail & Guardian Media board has approved a management restructuring with the appointment of Hoosain Karjieker, as chief executive, and Anastacia Martin as Publisher of all its print and online operations, chairperson Professor Malegapuru Makgoba announced on Tuesday. Trevor Ncube, current chief executive, will move into the position of executive deputy chairman of the company.Hoosain Karjieker previously held the position of chief operating officer, and Anastacia Martin, was the managing director for Publishing in the group. These changes are effective from September 1 2009.Professor Makgoba said the company was putting into place its succession plan that would see new blood running the day to day operations of the company while freeing Ncube to focus on strategic issues and explore business opportunities in Zimbabwe and the region. Karjieker and Martin will both be taking on additional responsibilities from Ncube who has announced plans to launch NewsDay a new daily in Zimbabwe. This project is awaiting government approval and is expected to take more of Ncube’s time. Ncube owns two other newspapers in Zimbabwe namely The Zimbabwe Independent and The Standard, among other business interests.Following the announcement, Ncube said: “We have exceptional talent in the company and I am delighted that Hoosain and Anastacia are being given an opportunity to run the company and we are confident they will take the company to the next level. I have done my bit and believe I should step back and give space and empower fresh thinking in the company.”Makgoba said the move was in part recognition of the contribution the pair has made to the company adding that, “Hoosain had effectively been running the company while Anastacia has been exceptional and has impressed the board with her talent, dedication and work rate. The board is confident this pair will succeed and urges the staff to support them.”Karjieker said he was honoured and humbled by the recognition and looked forward to consolidating and growing the company in a competitive and depressed trading environment. “We have a powerful brand and a passionate and talented team and I look forward to the challenge that has been placed before me.”Martin, the first female and black newspaper publisher of a major media house in South Africa, takes over as newspapers face the stiff challenge from the internet.“Our brands are unique and our quality audience is key to sustainable growth, expanding markets and introducing new products across multi-platforms. We will continue to give our readers and advertisers brands that they can trust 24/7,” said Martin.These changes follow the appointment of Nic Dawes to the position of Editor-in-Chief of the company in July. —— Staff Writer.
