Independent Media appoints new top executives

INDEPENDENT Media has appointed Adri Senekal de Wet as its new Editor-in-Chief following the retirement of Aziz Hartley at the end of 2023.

Mohamed Hoosain, Independent Media’s current CFO, will step in as acting CEO after current CEO Takudzwa Hove stepped down to pursue his MBA.

Dr Iqbal Survé will resume his role as executive chairman of Independent Media.

Senekal de Wet has been part of Independent Media since November 2016, serving as the executive editor of Business Report and Personal Finance.

“Her dedication, expertise, and leadership have played a crucial role in shaping the editorial direction of these publications,” Independent Media said in a statement.

Senekal de Wet extended her appreciation to Dr Survé for the trust placed in her.

Of taking on this prestigious role during challenging times in the media industry, she said: “I am honoured to lead Independent Media and work alongside an esteemed group of world-class editors within the group.

“Our goal is to re-establish Independent Media as the trusted media house South Africa so desperately needs.”

Survé paid homage to Hartley and welcomed Senekal de Wet to the position, saying: “Aziz‘s contribution to Independent Media has spanned more than 40 years during which he has witnessed many changes and been part of yet others in shaping South Africa’s post-democratic media landscape.

“Aziz’s retirement comes at a time where the next raft of transformations for the country and for Independent Media is imminent, an ideal time for Adri to take the lead and champion this dynamic shift with her own industry experience and future-focused mindset.”