Times Media poaches Media24’s Lisa Macleod for top digital job

Times Media has announced the appointment of Lisa Macleod as its new head of digital. Macleod, who has been in the industry for the best part of 20 years, was lured across from Media24 where she’s currently GM for Digital Publishing.

Andrew Gill, MD Times Media, says MacLeod’s appointment is significant given the demand for digital expertise in a highly competitive media environment.

“MacLeod is familiar with the challenges of taking widely recognised print businesses, and evolving them into lucrative digital-first operations. The intellectual capital she brings is completely aligned to TMG’s expansion strategy, and our goal to become SA’s leading provider of news and entertainment through digital innovation. She is also no stranger to the culture of a newsroom.”

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MacLeod’s early career includes reporting at the Daily Dispatch, later becoming Managing Editor at Business Day.

She joined the Financial Times in 2003, working in production roles and as a commissioning editor on special reports. She led a number of newsroom change projects as the FT’s Chief Production Editor, before becoming Managing Editor in 2010.

MacLeod’s appointment as Head of Operations for FT.com saw her manage the strategic, technological and operational requirements of FT’s successful digital businesses, including the website, tablets and mobile.

“Seventy percent of the FT’s total paying audience now comes from digital subscriptions. I have no doubt that TMG’s business will soon be moving in moving in the same direction,” says MacLeod.

TMG CEO Andrew Bonamour says: “MacLeod will drive the ‘digital-first’ needs of our business without sacrificing editorial integrity or advertising revenues. It is a very exciting time to be part of the media industry in South Africa, and we are intent on ensuring TMG remains a relevant market leader.”