Forbes Australia announces Anna Hannaford as new COO

Forbes Australia has announced the appointment of Anna Hannaford as chief operating officer (COO) in the run up to its launch in Q3 this year.

As Forbes Australia’s new COO, Hannaford will lead the brand’s inception into the Australian market and scale the company’s growth and operation teams, including sales, marketing, events, technology, and business development.

‘With a strong consumer marketing pedigree and reputation for driving business growth, Anna brings over a decade of global experience in understanding and serving customers, scaling businesses, and fostering inclusive environments that grow and develop high-performing teams and partnerships. Anna was instrumental in securing the Forbes Australia licence for the Group and advising the Board on the company’s strategic roadmap,’ said Forbes Australia CEO Michael Lane.

With extensive experience in the live entertainment, finance, education and e- learning industries, Hannaford has led various product and business functions. In recent years, she expanded the Success Resources brand and product offering into new markets, like the Middle East.

On her appointment Hannaford said, ‘It’s a unique proposition to take a celebrated 105-year media brand to the Australian market. We're committed to launching a local edition that is true to its heritage but also innovative to disrupt the publishing model. I’m thrilled and honoured to be leading a talented and passionate team who will showcase Forbes Australia.’

The recruitment process for further commercial, editorial and creative roles is ongoing, with Forbes Australia on schedule to launch in Q3 of 2022.

In February, Forbes Australia announced the appointment of Sarah O’Carroll as editor-in-chief of the soon-to-be launched local version of the global business publication.

O’Carroll’s responsibility spans both print and digital, and she began her role in April.

Forbes Australia is the Australian edition of Forbes and will be published under license by Success Publishing Pty Ltd. Scheduled to launch in Q3 of 2022, Forbes Australia will have a presence across multiple channels and touchpoints, and will ignite conversations around some of the most influential business leaders and entrepreneurs who are driving change, transforming business and making a significant impact on Australia and the world.