ACP restructures in business development drive

New Zealand’s leading magazine publisher, ACP Media, has announced a restructuring plan that sees the company’s operations split into three publishing divisions and the appointment of two new publishers to add greater commercial resources to the business.

The new divisions have been created under newly appointed publishers Fiona Lyon and Lisa Ralph. In addition to his role as ACP CEO, Paul Dykzeul will remain as publisher of the flagship titles Woman’s Day, Australian Women’s Weekly, and Lucky Break.

Fiona Lyon heads the women’s lifestyle and men’s division while Lisa Ralph is the publisher for the specialist magazines division.

Dykzeul says the new structure represents a deliberate step from the traditional publishing set-up.

“The aim is to prepare for future growth and business opportunities by introducing additional commercial expertise to publishing,” he says. “Traditionally publishers have come from the editorial side of the business. Fiona and Lisa’s appointments reflect very much a modern way to drive commercial operations.

“This new structure leaves good space around the editors to run their own titles. And now they are better able to receive and take advantage of business, market and consumer insights provided by their publishers.”

Dykzeul says he expects the restructuring to provide improved business focus without any impact on editorial operations.

“I have done more than a few hard yards as a publisher myself here at ACP and I have experienced first-hand the challenges faced by the industry. While I am absolutely convinced these moves are what’s best for ACP, there is still much work to do. Our focus now is very much on business development.”

Both Lyon and Ralph are long-time ACP Media staff. Fiona Lyon has been promoted from marketing director and has more than 15 years’ media experience in New Zealand and the UK. She joined ACP seven years ago as a key accounts manager.

Lisa Ralph has been promoted from advertising director. She joined the company in 2006 and has worked within the company’s magazine management team. She has 14 years’ experience in media.

Lyon’s titles include NEXT Magazine, CLEO and Good Health, FQ, Top Gear and FHM. Ralph is publishing Metro, North & South, Home, Your Home & Garden, Taste, Kia Ora and Little Treasures among others.

The restructure is supported by increased investment in an expanded research and insights team with several new internal appointments.

Another key change to the business is the promotion of current General Manager of Sales, Paul Gardiner, to the position of Commercial Director. Paul Gardiner will work closely with

Paul Dykzeul on generating new revenue streams and growth opportunities.

ACP magazines reach 2.9 million New Zealanders every year[1] with three in every four female magazine readers choosing an ACP magazine[2]. During 2010 ACP’s combined titles increased by more than 80,000 new readers compared to the previous year[3].