General Publishing appoints Olivia McDonnell as managing director

Independent publisher, General Publishing, has appointed Olivia McDonnell as its managing director.

McDonnell comes from her previous tenure as managing director at SmartCo, a subsidiary of the Private Media group.

As General Publishing works towards the launch of additional mastheads in 2024, McDonnell said of her new role, "I am excited to contribute to General Publishing's vision of shaping the future of digital publishing in Australia. Together, we will strive to create platforms that foster informed and vibrant communities."

Piers Grove, founder and publisher of General Publishing said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Olivia to the team. Her industry-leading skills, coupled with a deep alignment with our values, make her the perfect leader to steer General Publishing towards our goal of creating useful and meaningful digital communities."

The move comes as the company launches its first masthead, The Politics, with Rachel Withers as editor in chief, with plans to introduce two more mastheads within the calendar year.

Recently acquired from Schwartz Media, The Politics will remain under the stewardship of Withers as it expands into its own masthead in coming months. 

“The success of The Politics as one of Australia’s most trusted sources of cut-through commentary is a testament to the hard work and acumen of Rachel Withers. We are thrilled to have her on board as a key driver of General Publishing,” McDonnell said.

“I’m thrilled to have the chance to create a new home for smart, progressive politics in Australia, and so pleased to have Olivia and her strategic guidance as we find new ways to make independent media free and accessible,” said Withers.

Working to shake up the landscape of independent publishing in Australia via focus on building digital communities, General Publishing Also runs titles including live music publication Check Check, and Breaking Trail for extreme adventurers.

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Top Image: Olivia McDonnell (left), managing director of General Publishing; Rachel Withers (right), editor in chief of The Politics