Facebook has announced the appointment of Andrew Hunter to the newly created role of news partnerships lead.
Hunter joins Facebook from Microsoft, where he worked as its market lead for information and content experiences.
In his new role, Hunter will lead the social media giant’s increasing collaboration with Australia’s media networks and help with the local roll-out of products specifically designed for the publishing industry.
Will Easton, managing director of Facebook for Australia and New Zealand, said: “As Facebook’s role in Australia and New Zealand continues to evolve, it’s essential that we recruit the very best talent who will bring new ideas and insights to our current team.
“Andrew is our first news partnerships lead. He has a passion for storytelling and an expert understanding of the relationship between social and news networks.
“Facebook’s collaboration with media networks has continued to increase in recent years, and Andrew’s experience and vision will only enhance these relationships moving forward.”
Commenting on his appointment, Hunter said: “I’m delighted to be joining Facebook in this role at a time when access to accurate, high-quality news is more important than ever.
“I look forward to partnering with news organisations across Australia and New Zealand so they can make the most of Facebook’s tools, features and distribution capabilities in support of great journalism and great journalism businesses.”
This appointment follows a number of senior hires for Facebook over the past six months, including Dan Sinfield (head of FMCG), Kaylie Smith (director of SMB Australia and New Zealand) and Sophie Malloch (lead general counsel), along with a number of Creative Shop appointments, including Andy Simpson (head of Creative Shop), Dan Walton and Karen O’Leary (creative strategists).
