Independent Media appoints new executives
INDEPENDENT Media has appointed Adri Senekal de Wet as the new Editorin-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 Chief Executive Officer, 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.
“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 and one that continues to be a voice of all the peoples of the country.”
She emphasised the importance of delivering quality content that empowers readers to make informed decisions in their daily lives.
Dr 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 champion this dynamic shift with her own industry experience and future-focused mindset.”
Senekal de Wet will also join the board at Independent as an Executive Director.
Hove will remain in the Sekunjalo Group, bringing his skills and expertise to bear in a different portfolio where he will help guide and re-shape Sekunjalo’s hospitality, travel, tourism and events sector, Independent Media said.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a newspaperman and working with some of the most incredible people I have had the privilege of knowing, but now that the group is well on its way to championing news in this digitally increasing world, I believe it is the right time to pick up with my learning curve and concentrate on honing skills that will contribute to the overall Sekunjalo Group.”
Dr Survé said: “Sekunjalo recognises the importance of further learning throughout its staff complement, most especially within its executive structures. Given the dynamic business environment we and the rest of the world find ourselves in at present, opportunities to improve skillsets and broaden thinking are vital to the future lifeblood of any organisation and should be taken advantage of when they arise.
“Since inception, Sekunjalo has made a point of rotating its executives to expose them and the businesses to new philosophy and ideation as part of our design thinking approach to business. We are therefore delighted that Takudzwa will remain within the group and champion the tourism and events sector and share his undoubted knowledge and experience.”