PUBLISHING & BROADCASTING LIMITED 2002-01-08 ASX-SIGNAL-G HOMEX - Sydney +++++++++++++++++++++++++ Publishing & Broadcasting Limited (PBL) today announced a number of changes to the management structure of the Group, including the appointment of Mr John Alexander, Chief Executive of Australian Consolidated Press Limited, as Head of PBL Media and Mr Ian Johnson, presently Chief Executive of Crown Casino, as Chief Executive of The Nine Network. Mr Johnson will report to Mr Alexander in his new role. Also announced is the appointment of Mr Rowan Craigie as Chief Executive of Crown. Chairman of PBL, Mr James Packer said: "These changes have been put in place to reinforce and build PBL's position as Australia's leading media and entertainment group. "This new management structure will also allow us to benefit from emerging opportunities or structural changes in any of our operating environments, and continue to drive synergies between our media businesses. "At the same time, the new structure also enhances further our ability to develop and sell content across our different media platforms. Commenting on the strengths of the team, PBL CEO Mr Peter Yates said: "John, with his high-level editorial and media management experience is well qualified for heading our core media interests. "John's role has been expanded and as Head of Media he will guide the operational development of our publishing and television media interests in a rapidly changing and difficult environment. He will continue to lead Australian Consolidated Press as Chief Executive." "Ian Johnson is a seasoned television executive, having managed the operations of Nine Melbourne for many years prior to becoming Chief Executive of Crown following the merger of PBL with Crown. In his role at Crown he has clearly demonstrated strong leadership and management skills and is ideally suited to the needs of his Chief Executive role for the Nine Network. Mr Johnson will also join the PBL Board," he said. Mr Alexander said: "I am extremely delighted not just by the new challenge but for the opportunity to bring Australia's leading television network group and Australia's leading magazine group closer together." Mr Rowan Craigie has been appointed Chief Executive of Crown and will join the PBL Executive Committee. Mr Craigie was a member of the original team at Crown and has held a number of operating roles including Chief Operating Officer of the Casino. Prior to joining Crown in 1993, Mr Craigie was a Senior Economist in the Victorian Dept of Industry and General Manager - Corporate Development at TAB Victoria. Mr Craigie will also join the PBL Board. Commenting on the changes, Mr Kerry Packer, said "I am delighted by the appointments. They have my absolute support and I believe they will be extremely beneficial to the business and shareholders." The Group also announced that Mr David Leckie, former Chief Executive of the Nine Network, would not be renewing his contract. Mr Leckie said: "I have spent an amazing 25 years with the Nine Network including the past 11 years as CEO. It is now time to move on and I look forward to the future." Mr Kerry Packer and Mr James Packer said that Mr Leckie had made a valuable contribution to gaining and maintaining Nine's leadership position and they wished him every success in his new endeavours.
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