APN chief calls it quits

Brendan Hopkins makes an exit from APN News and Media, one of the big three print media companies in Australia and New Zealand.

Hopkins (pictured) this week announced his plans to leave the company at the end of the year. His planned departure comes at a time when the politics of APN are becoming increasingly murky, with the control of ownership of APN under threat.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as CEO of APN,” Hopkins said in a statement. “This is a great company with a tremendous future.  APN has a first-class group of people and I thank everyone for their contribution over the past eight years".

Hopkins will leave at the end of December and the Board have appointed Heidrick & Struggles to search for a suitable successor, which includes potential internal candidates.

Gavin O'Reilly, chairman of APN, thanked Hopkins for his efforts at the company: "Brendan has led the company with energy and skill over the past eight years and we thank him for his contribution to APN's affairs.  We wish Brendan well for the future.”

APN is embroiled in a control for ownership between two Irish-based groups. The Irish billionaire Denis O’Brien is now the largest shareholder and is threatening the O'Reilly control.