APN appoints ex-Telecom exec

APN News & Media has announced the appointment of Matt Crockett as Chief Development Officer, a new direct report to the CEO.

In this role Mr Crockett will lead corporate strategy, new business development and all major new digital initiatives for APN.

APN News and Media Chief Executive Brett Chenoweth said: "We are repositioning APN for growth. Mr Crockett will play a pivotal role driving strategic growth and business improvement initiatives across the company.

"Matt is an impressive senior executive. He has extensive experience in developing and executing successful strategies for companies in Australia and New Zealand in a range of industries. He will be a valuable addition to the leadership team."

Mr Crockett was most recently CEO, Wholesale and International Division of Telecom New Zealand, having led the division since June 2007. Under Mr Crockett's leadership it became one of Telecom New Zealand's fastest growing and highest performing business units.

During his seven years at Telecom New Zealand he also held a number of General Manager and strategy roles covering fixed line, mobile and internet businesses. During this time he gained significant experience in digital media including overseeing New Zealand's largest ISP Xtra, and its key relationships with MSN and later Yahoo!7.

Mr Crockett said "I think there is tremendous opportunity in the media sector and that APN has a unique portfolio of well positioned assets. I am excited about joining the team."

Prior to his roles at Telecom New Zealand, he held senior positions at international management consultancy McKinsey and Company where he gained broad industry experience from resource and industrial companies through to e-commerce start-ups.

Mr Crockett has held several Board positions and is currently a Director of Orion Health, a global e-health software leader and one of New Zealand's fastest growing technology companies.

Born in Western Australia Mr Crockett is now a dual Australian/New Zealand citizen. In 1994 he was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship for postgraduate study at Oxford University.