Suspected heart attack claims senior Herald executive at 45

Andrew McNally

A senior executive of the New Zealand Herald, Andrew McNally, died suddenly in Auckland yesterday of an apparent heart attack.

Mr McNally, aged 45, had been the group advertising director for Herald owner, APN New Zealand, for the past 18 months, leading the transformation of the company into a multimedia sales organisation.

APN chief executive Martin Simons said: "This is a tragic loss for all who knew Andrew as a friend, colleague and business leader. Andrew had great energy, a positive outlook and was hugely respected and loved by those who worked with him."

Before coming to Auckland, he had an outstanding career with News Limited, working in Melbourne and Sydney, Mr Simons said.

News Limited executive Jerry Harris said Mr McNally had a "long and distinguished career" with News and his wife, Liza, had also worked for the company in senior roles.

"To many of us, Andrew was a friend as well as a colleague, and we will miss him greatly. I know many people in News Limited will feel the same way."

Mr McNally is survived by Liza and their three young children.