Fairfax has announced David Hoath, CEO of its Melbourne publishing arm, as the company's new Chief Operating Officer of its Metro operations, reporting directly to Metro CEO Jack Matthews.

 

“The new COO role will play a critical part in the redesign and reinvigoration of our print mastheads," Mr Matthews said of the appointment.

“The COO role will also be responsible for the day to day running of the mastheads, including centralised circulation strategy and sales, manufacturing, distribution and facility management.”

 

“David’s experience in the complexities of print operations is vital in our evolution to an audience focused, cross‐platform business."

 

The internal changes form part of the company's ongoing Fairfax for the Future plan, which will see some 1,900 jobs shed from the company.

 

Mr Hoath's promotion coincides with the appointment of Guatam Mishra from COO Digital Media to strategy director for the Metro division.