NewsMediaWorks has announced the appointment of Dr Tony Wilkins as its executive director of environment.
Wilkins will be responsible for representing and advising the news media industry on product stewardship and environmental issues, responsibilities and commitments.
He joins NewsMediaWorks from News Corp, where he has been head of environment since 1990. He is also chair of the NewsMediaWorks Environment Advisory Group, which was established in 2012 to continue the work of the Publishers National Environment Bureau.
Prior to joining News Corp, Wilkins was a scientist in medical and forest research for 12 years.
NewsMediaWorks CEO Peter Miller said: “We’re thrilled Tony is joining us to continue NewsMediaWorks’ role in championing our industry’s impressive track record in sustainability and environmental responsibility.
“Australia’s newspaper recycling rate is 77 per cent, positioning us as one of the world’s leaders in print media recycling.
“Tony’s credentials are unparalleled. His expertise and experience leading our industry’s approach to the environment have been gained at a time when sustainability has moved to the fore of business responsibility, so Tony is the ideal person for this role and we welcome him warmly.”
Commenting on his appointment, Wilkins said: “Having spent the majority of my career championing the news media industry’s approach to environmental responsibility, I’m very excited to be joining NewsMediaWorks to work with Peter and the team.
“NewsMediaWorks’ role in overseeing the industry’s approach to the environment and sustainability best practice is an important one and I’ll be working passionately to continue its good work.”
NewsMediaWorks’ environmental remit includes championing newspaper recycling and developing programs to keep newspapers out of landfill, which currently make up only about 1 per cent of waste going to metropolitan landfills.
This includes developing ‘Zero Waste’ goals for publishers, and already the majority of Aussie publishers meet the International Business Alliance’s standard.
It also works to reduce the industry’s greenhouse emissions, working towards an annual reduction in emissions of 4 per cent, in line with global scientific goals under the Paris Accord.
Wilkins’ appointment is effective immediately.
