Media Insider: NZ Herald publisher NZME names a new chief financial officer

NZME's new chief financial officer Jo Hempstead.

Media firm NZME has hired a senior leader from The Warehouse Group as its new chief financial officer.

Jo Hempstead, currently The Warehouse’s general manager - finance, will replace David Mackrell in January. Mackrell is departing NZME to be the chief financial officer at Sky TV.

“Jo brings more than two decades of financial leadership experience across retail, technology, and media sectors,” said an NZME notice to the NZX on Monday morning.

“She has led strategic financial planning, commercial and transformation initiatives across one of New Zealand’s largest retailers. Her career also includes senior finance roles at Microsoft New Zealand and The Economist."

It has been an eventful year for NZME, with a new-look board now chaired by former radio industry entrepreneur and National Party senior MP Steven Joyce and two other new directors - major shareholder and businessman Jim Grenon and Facebook Marketplace founder Bowen Pan.

NZME chief executive Michael Boggs said he was “thrilled” to welcome Hempstead.

“Her deep financial expertise, proven leadership, and experience in large-scale transformation make her an outstanding addition to our executive team.

“Jo’s strategic mindset and passion for innovation will be instrumental as we continue to grow our digital platforms and deliver value to shareholders.”

Hempstead said: “I’m excited to join NZME at such a pivotal time in its journey. The company’s commitment to innovation, trusted journalism, and commercial excellence strongly aligns with my values.

“I look forward to working with the team to support NZME’s strategic ambitions.”

NZME owns the NZ Herald, Newstalk ZB, property platform OneRoof and a suite of entertainment radio stations and regional news brands.

Editor-at-Large Shayne Currie is one of New Zealand’s most experienced senior journalists and media leaders. He has held executive and senior editorial roles at NZME including Managing Editor, NZ Herald Editor and Herald on Sunday Editor and has a small shareholding in NZME.