In a decision that will rock the publishing world, Bauer Media has revealed Paul Dykzeul, the publisher’s current chief executive officer, Australia and New Zealand, is retiring on June 1, 2019.
The world of magazines has been shaken by leadership changes at Australia’s biggest magazine publisher regularly. As Dykzeul departs, Bauer Media has announced the sixth chief executive to run the business since it acquired the titles formerly known as ACP Magazines in 2012.
The new chief executive of Australia and New Zealand is Brendon Hill who takes over on 1 June 2019.
Brendon Hill
In the media world it can be hard to keep a secret. Paul Dykzeul has done well though not to telegraph his intentions. Although he had told some friends and colleagues he was planning on departing some time this year, the sudden announcement today has taken many by surprise.
Mediaweek spent two hours with the outgoing CEO just seven days ago and there was no hint it might have been our last catch-up. We now realise there was something Dykzeul neglected to share.
Veit Dengler, chief operating officer of Bauer Media Group is in Australia to announce the handover. “Paul has been with the business for over 25 years and has made an incredible contribution to its development over that time,” said Dengler.
Veit Dengler
“In a period of significant change for the publishing industry, he can be credited with growing both the New Zealand and Australian operations and driving market-leading innovation that has been recognised around the world.
“We are pleased to have found a new chief executive officer from within the business. Brendon is a natural and extremely capable successor with a strong commercial background and substantial experience in both Australia and New Zealand. He has worked closely with Paul for the last five years, and we look forward to the future under his leadership.”
Paul Dykzeul said: “I’ve had an extraordinary time at Bauer over the last decade. Our portfolio and our culture are second to none, and it’s been a privilege to work alongside such a passionate and committed team.
“When I was appointed CEO two years ago, I made it clear that part of my strategy was to find my successor. I’ve experienced first hand Brendon’s strong entrepreneurial skills, as well as his enthusiasm and vision. The Australian executive team is young, talented and vibrant, and under Brendon’s leadership, I expect to see great things.”
Bauer Media Australia leadership
Matt Stanton (three years from 2012)
David Goodchild (one year 2015)
Andreas Schoo (interim)
Nick Chan (one year 2016)
Paul Dykzeul (two years from 2017)
Brendon Hill joined Bauer Media Australia in 2006 and when he was transferred to New Zealand in 2015, he was publisher of 30+ magazine and digital brands. He has been responsible for the management and performance of Bauer Media New Zealand since 2017, when he was promoted to managing director.
Brendon Hill said: “Under Paul’s leadership Bauer Media ANZ is in an incredibly strong position with nearly 7 million unique monthly users of our 24 websites, over 14 million users on our social sites, 800 thousand eDMs sent each month, and nearly 9 million monthly highly engaged readers of our 57 magazines.
“I will remain focussed on growing these audiences and creating unique opportunities for advertisers to engage with them. Our people are the heart of our business and I am excited about returning to Australia and leading them through the next stage of Bauer’s growth.”
—
Top Photo: Paul Dykzeul