New Appointments At Nation Media Group

The Nation Media Group Thursday announced five senior management appointments.

Making the appointments, group chief executive officer Linus Gitahi said they were in line with NMG's objective to foster internal career progression and development.

Mr Ian Fernandes becomes the new managing director, Nation Digital Division. Mr Fernandes has a background in the fields of television and information technology and joined the NMG from The Standard Group. "As managing director of the Broadcasting Division, Ian has been responsible for positively changing the fortunes of the division both financially and growing its audience and market share," said Mr Gitahi.

He added: "The future of media is moving towards digital platforms and Ian will lead this area which will enable us to drive the Africa agenda, establish pay TV in addition to the Web opportunities and mobile revenue partnerships. The Digital Division will be responsible for ensuring that the Nation Media Group will be at the forefront of providing local and African content to domestic and international audiences using digital platforms."

Mr Conrad Nkutu takes over from Mr Fernandes as managing director, Nation Broadcasting Division.

He was until last year, the managing director of Monitor Publications Limited in Uganda, where he successfully turned the company to profitability and expanded the market share of the company's products.

He was recently appointed the head of the business development unit and had already identified various business initiatives locally and outside the country that the group is exploring.

Mr Paul Richu becomes group business development director. Mr Gitahi said: "Paul has been the group IT director since he left Lonhro East Africa in 2000.

He is a certified public accountant of Kenya and a qualified and experienced IT specialist.

"Paul will be responsible for reviewing the business opportunities available to the Group both locally and overseas as we develop our objective of expanding the Groups reach and media platforms in East Africa and beyond."

Mr Michael Ngugi becomes acting managing director, Nation Newspapers Division. "Michael is the general manager for NND advertising," Mr Gitahi said.

He added: "Michael has a sales and commercial background and previously worked for Coca Cola Africa and Celtel."

The Head of IT will be Mr Gabriel Chege. "Gabriel has been responsible for the group's IT services in the IT department and will be responsible for overseeing the group's information technology platforms," said Mr Gitahi.