The CEO of Bauer Media Australia & NZ has stepped down just a week after Rebel Wilson won her defamation case against the publishing group.
After a lengthy and occasionally ridiculous court case, the Supreme Court of Victoria ruled that Wilson had been defamed in a series of articles featured in ‘Australian Woman’s Weekly‘, ‘Woman’s Day‘, ‘New Weekly‘ and ‘OK! Magazine‘.
It is yet to be decided how much Wilson’s payout will be, but her lawyers say she is seeking $5.89 million in special damages and $1.2 million in general damages – figures they have called “conservative“, claiming she could have earned up to $18 million were it not for the damage done to her reputation by Bauer.
Nick Chan had been with the company for a little over 12 months when it was announced that he would be stepping down to be replaced by Paul Dykzeul, who is currently Bauer’s New Zealand CEO.
Chan wasn’t working as the CEO of Bauer when the defamatory articles were published and, according to News.com.au, Bauer executives have said that his departure is not related to the court case.
Executive board member Andreas Schoo sent an article to staff welcoming Dykzeul and mentioning Chan as a quick footnote:
“I’m delighted to announce that Paul Dykzeul has been appointed chief executive officer for both countries.“Paul has significant media experience and understands the opportunities and challenges facing multi-platform magazine brands in this evolving environment. During his tenure as CEO of Bauer Media New Zealand he has built a strong and innovative media business and is perfectly placed to lead Bauer across Australasia.“Nick has left the company and I want to thank him for the work he has done and wish him well in his future endeavours.”
Ease up Andreas, try not to get too emotional about it.
Photo: Mediaweek.
