Media Releases

Appointment of Radio New Zealand Chief Executive and Editor-in-Chief

Released at 4:50 pm on 13 June 2013

The Board of Radio New Zealand has today appointed Paul Thompson as the next chief executive and editor-in-chief of the national public service broadcaster.

The appointment follows the January announcement by Radio New Zealand’s CEO, Peter Cavanagh, that he would be stepping down from the position when his contract expires at the end of the year.

Paul Thompson is currently the Group Executive Editor of Fairfax Media in New Zealand and a former award winning editor of the Christchurch Press and the Nelson Mail.

The Chair of Radio New Zealand, Richard Griffin, says Thompson is a widely respected and experienced media executive with a track record of achievement and successful leadership.

“The Board was encouraged by the quality of those individuals who responded to the request for expressions of interest in the position. The process of selection was thorough and competitive and we are sure we have now appointed a CEO who is ideally versed in the concepts of editorial integrity and executive management that have been the hallmark of Peter Cavanagh’s ten years at the helm.”

Paul Thompson says he feels privileged to be chosen to lead such a respected and influential organisation.

“Radio New Zealand plays a pivotal role in New Zealand life and I’m immensely looking forward to the challenge”.

Mr Thompson will take up his new responsibilities with Radio New Zealand later in the year.