Fairfax appoints Whitehead to lead consumer marketing unit ahead of move to tabloid format

Fairfax consumer marketing head Robert Whitehead

Fairfax Media has promoted former Sydney Morning Herald editor Robert Whitehead into the newly created role of head of marketing and communication in a move that seems to reduce the likelihood that the company will go externally for a high profile chief marketing officer.

In June, the Australian reported that the company was looking to make the CMO appointment. While Whitehead’s role is within Fairfax Metro – which includes the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age –  it appears unlikely to leave room for a CMO across the whole of Fairfax.

In response to the question as to whether the organisation was still looking to fill such a role, in a statement made to Mumbrella, Jack Matthews said: “I believe this structure is the best approach for us. It allows us to form a best-practice marketing group while recognising the experience and potential we have inside the company.”