News Corp’s Nick Smith Resigns Amid Launch Of New Publishing Division

News Corp Australia has announced the launch of a new publishing division, the News Prestige Network.

The new division will bring together the company’s prestige mastheads into a single publishing division, which will operate The Australian and the Conde Nast International titles Vogue Australia, Vogue Living and GQ Australia.

Last year, the News Prestige Network was launched as an advertising proposition for prestige and luxury brands. The creation of the new publishing division is designed to further align and develop the News Prestige Network.

The News Prestige Network will now offer advertisers access to a stable of high-end magazines brands with Vogue Australia, Vogue Living and GQ Australia; and The Australian’s luxury inserted magazines Wish, Mansion, The Deal and The Weekend Australian Magazine.

The new division will result in several key executive changes.

Nicholas Gray, current CEO of The Australian, will take on the additional role of News Prestige Network publisher with responsibility across commercial, product and marketing.

Nicholas Gray

Edwina McCann, current editor-in-chief of Vogue Australia, will take on the additional role of editorial director across Vogue Australia, Vogue Living and GQ Australia.

Edwina McCann

Fiona Nilsson, current director of Food Corp, will move to the role of lifestyle director for News Corp Australia, responsible for the food and homes portfolios.

Fiona Nilsson

Andrew Cook, formerly director of media sales at SBS, has been appointed general manager of advertising for The Australian and the News Prestige Network. Cook replaces Vaughan Cottier, who is moving to the US. He will begin his new role at the end of April.

Andrew Cook

Nick Smith (main picture), currently the prestige and lifestyle director, has resigned from News Corp to take on a new career opportunity in the UK.

The Australian’s editor-in-chief, Paul Whittaker, will work with McCann to develop the editorial strategy across the network, while Gray, Whittaker and McCann will focus on new commercial opportunities for the combined luxury mastheads.

News Corp Australasia executive chairman Michael Miller said: “We are proud of the commercial results driven since the launch of the Prestige Network to the luxury brands market last year.

“With this new publishing division, we will now leverage our prestige editorial talent, harness our commercial strengths and marketing capabilities to continue to deliver the best content and commercial solutions to Australia’s largest AB audience.”

Gray said: “The News Prestige Network is Australia’s largest and best portfolio of media properties for reaching and engaging with Australia’s AB audience.

“I am pleased to be given the opportunity to lead this division of the company, and work with Paul, Edwina, Andrew and the teams, to help the News Prestige Network grow further.

“I also want to thank both Vaughan Cottier and Nick Smith for their outstanding careers with News Corp Australia. Both are moving overseas for further career development. We are sad to lose them, and they leave with our best wishes.”

McCann said: “This furthers our commitment to the beautiful Conde Nast brands in Australia, and I’m thrilled to take on this new role as editorial director.”

Cook said: “I’m looking forward to joining The Australian and the News Prestige Network. The Australian has a proven history in contributing to making a better Australia.

“The distinctive brand proposition offers advertisers the ability to connect with the nation’s influencers in a premium environment. I believe it’s the perfect time to take on this opportunity to help build on The Australian’s success.

“Vogue Australia, Vogue Living and GQ Australia are truly global influencers, synonymous with fashion, style and design. Each brand is a leading authority in their category, defining cultural movements for sophisticated readers.

“The three brands in combination with The Australian newspaper is the best combined prestige offering for advertisers, in both environment and readers.”

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Andrew Cook Edwina McCann Fiona Nilsson News Corp News Corp Australia News Prestige Network Nicholas Gray Nick Smith Paul Whittaker