Nine announces changes as last Fairfax exec leaves

Nine has announced the promotions of James Chessell (pictured) to the role of managing director – publishing and Alex Parsons to the position of chief digital officer.

The appointments follow the decision of Chris Janz to step down as chief digital and publishing officer after four years of leading Fairfax and subsequently Nine’s metropolitan publishing business.

Under the changes his responsibilities will be split going forward, with Chessell, currently executive editor of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, assuming management responsibility for all mastheads, including The Australian Financial Review, as Nine’s managing director – publishing. He is a former European correspondent of the Financial Review and prior to that he oversaw the mastheads’ business coverage.

Parsons returns to Nine as chief digital officer. He has worked across many parts of Nine, including leading the Nine Digital business through the launch of 9Now, the transition of the Ninemsn business to Nine Digital, the sale of Fairfax events, and most recently overseeing Drive as the business integrated operations with CarAdvice. His responsibilities will now include overseeing Nine’s digital businesses including product and technology across Nine and he will remain on the board of Drive.

Alex Parsons

Mike Sneesby, CEO of Nine, said: “James and Alex are two exceptional media executives and I have every confidence that they will be more than equipped to help evolve our publishing and digital product to the next level as we continue to drive Nine’s growth.” 

Sneesby paid tribute to Janz’s contribution to Nine and the period prior to the merger of the Fairfax Media business and mastheads. Since February 2017, Janz has had responsibility for the financial profitability of the mastheads. He has also overseen Nine’s recent negotiations with Facebook and Google following the successful passing of the media code legislation.

“Chris Janz has made the decision to leave our business. He goes with our very best wishes and much gratitude for his significant contribution over many years, for the service and guidance he has provided during his tenure with us, both at Fairfax and since the merger with Nine,” said Sneesby. 

“I have worked alongside Chris for many years and personally want to thank him and congratulate him on the work he has done.”