Magazine giant Pacific Magazines has appointed Louisa Hatfield as editor-in-chief of its one of its flagship women’s weekly brand New Idea.
Hatfield has been acting editor-in-chief for the past 12 months, while incumbent Kim Wilson was on maternity leave. Wilson has decided not to return to the role, which she had held for five years.
Pac Mags group publisher of weekly titles, Fiona Legdin, thanked Wilson for her outstanding contribution to the title’s success during her tenure, saying, “Kim was a fantastic driving force on New Idea, giving Australia’s most-loved magazine new energy and relevance to the readers. We wish her well for the next stage of her career.”
Legdin said she is thrilled that Hatfield will be staying on permanently as editor-in-chief.
“Louisa has had a fantastic career at the helm of some of the country’s best-selling brands, both in print and on TV,” she said. “This is a time of exciting change in our industry and I’m delighted that someone with her expertise, energy and experience will continue to steer the New Idea brand into the future.”
Hatfield has previously been editor-in-chief of Woman’s Day, TV WEEK, Take 5 and NW, as well as working for The Sydney Morning Herald and Sunday Magazine. She also spent three years in TV as the executive producer of Mornings.
As editor-in-chief at New Idea, she is supported by a strong, senior and experienced editorial team.
Hatfield said she is looking forward to taking the iconic brand to its next level as a truly multi-platform destination for Australian women.
“I am so excited to be permanently taking on this challenging role at New Idea,” said Hatfield.
“The magazine’s team is one of the most dynamic, dedicated and creative I have ever worked with and I am thrilled that I have been given the chance to carry on working with them and continue New Idea’s success. “
Said Legdin: “At a time when digital media is so crucial to advertisers and as audiences are increasingly accessing content via mobile devices, it’s significant that New Idea’s social audience has grown by 70 per cent YOY.”
Hatfield’s appointment is effective immediately.
