Kiwi given the Fairfax nod

Evans will relocate to Australia to begin his new position before the beginning of May, though he will remain a member of the advisory council for Fairfax NZ. The appointment comes amid speculation over the upcoming departure of CEO Fred Hilmer, whom Evans himself had been touted as the most likely replacement before having his application declined by the Fairfax board.

Hilmer claims the new appointment will consolidate of the creation of the Metropolitan Newspaper business unit that occurred two years ago. “Brian's appointment is the next logical step to take the metros forward by providing a stronger focus on their business, and creating further opportunities for commercial initiatives in conjunction with the regional and community newspapers,” he says.

Hilmer also claimed the appointment will enable him to better concentrate on strategic issues facing the company, at least until a suitable replacement is found. News Corporation executive Doug Flynn was nominated by the Fairfax board as the preferred replacement CEO, but rejected the offer to instead take a role at pest control group Rentokil. Hilmer has indicated that he will stay at Fairfax until the end of 2005 if required.