nextmedia moves: Hamish Bayliss appointed MD, David Gardiner now exec chairman

nextmedia has announced company founder David Gardiner is stepping back from his role as chief executive officer, appointing Hamish Bayliss as managing director.

Gardiner will move to the role of executive chairman to focus on strategy, further merger and acquisition opportunities and ensuring the smooth transition of the company under the nextmedia executive team.

Gardiner together with commercial director Bruce Duncan and the backing of Wolseley Private Equity established nextmedia in 2008 with the aggregation of four independent publishers and have grown the business into one of Australia’s leading specialist media companies.

Hamish Bayliss

nextmedia is a wholly owned subsidiary of German-owned global publisher Forum Media Group.

Duncan is also stepping back to enjoy the fruits of a long and successful career in retirement.

“It’s been a fabulous 10 years for Bruce and me creating and building nextmedia into a strong and sustainable media company, which continually reinvents itself and now boasts over 40 media brands and 130 dedicated and amazing employees – very proud of them all”, said Gardiner. “Under Forum Media Group’s ownership nextmedia can continue to grow and prosper.”

nextmedia said the appointment of Hamish Bayliss as managing director will ensure a smooth transition and focus on growth.

Bayliss has been with nextmedia for over 10 years, developing his management and media skills in a number of roles including group advertising director and associate publisher.

“Hamish has made a terrific contribution to nextmedia. It has been a pleasure to watch him develop into a fine executive and I have every confidence the company will be in good hands with the support of his leadership team,” said Gardiner.

Bayliss said: “I am excited by the opportunity to lead this robust and diverse business across print, digital, events and custom, and especially continuing to work with the people that have made nextmedia so successful.”

nextmedia publishes over 40 leading special interest publications plus websites, digital media, forums, social media, books and events including titles such as Gardening Australia, Healthy Food Guide, Australian Mountain Bike, Inside Sport, Golf Australia, Tracks, Australian Muscle Car, PC PowerPlay, TV Soap, Sound & Image, Camera, iTnews, PC & Tech Authority and a range of kids’ titles including KZone, Total Girl and Shopkins.

Top photo: David Gardiner and Bruce Duncan