Margaret Fearn joins Access Public Relations

Former Network Ten head of corporate communications Margaret Fearn has joined Access Public Relations as a senior consultant.

Fearn didnt waste any time finding a new role, having left Network Ten only last week, and she has started working on Access PR’s recently won Prime TV account among others. Andrea Kerekes, the managing partner at Access was quick to sing Fearns praises:

“Margaret has enormous skill and experience dealing with the media and in the media industry, which fits perfectly with our portfolio and offering.

And Fearn wasnt slow to talk up the new role either:

“This is a wonderful opportunity to work with Rochelle, Andrea and the Access PR team and I’m looking forward to using everything I’ve learnt over the past 16 years in the media on a range of new clients.

Fearn will continue to work for her own independent clients as well as in her role with Access PR

New Top Gear editor appointed

If youre a bit of a petrol head, then listen up. ACP Magazines today announced its new editor for BBC Top Gear Australia – the much-anticipated magazine launching on 30 June 2008.

The aptly named Ewen Page [Ed: apologies – you must have heard that a few times Ewen] will take the helm as editor in chief, Top Gear. Ewen holds a wealth of automotive experience, having previously held the position of editor at Wheels, Motor, Street Machine and Auto Action. He was most recently editor in chief of FHM.

Phil Scott, Group Publisher, Men’s & Specialist titles, ACP Magazines, said: “Ewen’s publishing experience across an eclectic mix of motoring, men’s lifestyle and popular culture publishing is unrivalled.

“The strength of the brand, combined with the best talent in the business, will ensure that Top Gear makes an indelible mark on the market. Top Gear is already the world’s number one motoring media brand, with television audiences in more than 120 countries, and over 20 international versions of the magazine in 40 territories.

Ewen Page, editor in chief, Top Gear, said: “I am thrilled at this appointment and the prospect of bringing such a phenomenal brand to Australian readers. There’s a real buzz about the launch and we look forward to making a real impact when we take this outstanding magazine to market.”

Top Gear Australia is the first masthead to launch under the new publishing partnership between ACP Magazines and BBC Magazines.

Industry standards leader goes to Nielsen

Former chairman of the Australian IAB sub committee for online measurement Stuart Pike has been appointed by Nielsen Online, part of The Nielsen Company. Pike will be responsible for the development of Nielsen Online’s analytical and consulting services for the Pacific Region.

Megan Clarken, MD, Pacific, Nielsen Online said, “Stuart is a seasoned industry expert and he is joining us at an exciting time for the evolving media sector. His knowledge of the online space and the needs of the market will be invaluable in providing important analytics services that support the ongoing growth of the industry”.

“I am delighted to be back working with Nielsen Online. It’s an exciting time for both Nielsen as well as the wider online industry in Australia and New Zealand,” said Pike. “I look forward to working with clients to implement solutions that will enable them to best understand and improve the performance of their business.

Pike has held a number of executive-level positions in the online industry with a focus on setting industry standards and developing the online medium.

And thats it this week for Whos who in the zoo. If you have any news about people in the industry who are moving roles,
or if youve decided to seek new pastures, send us the details.