Fairfax appoints Philippa Walker to head travel vertical

Following the recent restructure of its commercial division, Fairfax Media has appointed Philippa Walker to oversee the travel vertical within Australian Metro Publishing (AMP) business, which includes The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, The Australian Financial Review, Brisbane Times, WAtoday and more.

In late 2017, the commercial teams were reshaped with a vertical focus under the pillars of business and government comprising finance, retail, government, energy & resources, tech & telco, and luxury and lifestyle encompassing travel, auto, food & entertainment, luxury and sport & wagering.

Walker joins the luxury and lifestyle division as head of travel. She will oversee Fairfax Media’s extensive travel vertical and brings to Fairfax an impressive history of travel experience including more than a decade at global travel agency The Travel Corporation.

National head of luxury and lifestyle Michael Grenenger said of the appointment: “Travel is a major part of our business and we’re thrilled to welcome Philippa to the team. Her vast experience in the sector will be a key asset to what is the largest vertical within the luxury and lifestyle division.”

Walker’s appointment follows the recent addition of Oliver Peagam to the luxury and lifestyle division. He takes on the role of head of auto with an automotive pedigree coming from a six-year stint at Volvo.

Prior to that, the restructure of the commercial teams saw Financial Times veteran Chris Nardi return to Australian shores to take on the role of national head business & government. He joined Fairfax’s senior commercial team comprising Michael Grenenger, Kylie Dennis, head of direct sales and business development, and Andrew Mudgway, national head of agency.

Chris Nardi

Further appointments will be announced in the coming weeks within the business and government vertical.