Roger Corbett, chairman of Fairfax said having conducted an international search, the board is in no doubt that Hywood is the best person to lead Fairfax Media through the exciting years ahead.

Corbett says, “His experience and knowledge of the sector and the company and his editorial, digital and commercial capabilities made him the stand out choice.”

Commenting on his appointment, Hywood said, “I look forward to harnessing its great strengths and to take full advantage of the many opportunities to ensure the years to come are the most successful in the company’s long and proud history.”

“Fairfax Media remains the home of independent journalism and in recent years has been transforming into a geographically and technologically diverse, digitally driven media company. It is poised to continue to grow and prosper.”

A Walkley Award winning journalist, Hywood has held a number of the most senior management positions at Fairfax and was a driving force for digital change in the company.

His roles included publisher and editor in chief of each of The Australian Financial Review, The Sydney Morning Herald/Sun Herald and The Age.

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