Fairfax Media’s chief marketing officer is leaving the publisher after more than 18 months in the role.

According to a note to staff from Fairfax’s head of metro publishing, Chris Janz, Michael Laxton has decided to take on a new challenge and will leave the business next month.

“Over the past four years, Michael has been instrumental in growing our digital subscriber base and revenues, repositioning our hero mastheads and transforming our marketing efforts.” Janz said.

“We will miss his energetic approach and wish him the very best with his next career move.

“To ensure continued subscriptions progress, David Eisman has been appointed interim director subscriptions and growth. Michael’s team will report to Dave. We will appoint a permanent director in due course.”

Laxton’s departure from Fairfax follows the publisher agreeing to a takeover deal with Nine Entertainment, which is still yet to be approved by the ACCC. It also comes after Fairfax posted a $63.8 million loss for the last financial year.