LONG-STANDING Western Australian media entrepreneur Harry Kleyn (above left) has retired as CEO of WA Business News, ending more than a decade and a half as an executive with the paper.
Elton Swarts (above right), who has returned to an executive role after two years as chairman, will now head the publishing and events business.
Mr Kleyn was executive chairman and publisher of the newspaper, websites and WA Business News’ Book of Lists for most of the past decade. He became chief executive in July 2008 when Mr Swarts ended his previous executive role in the business to become non-executive chairman.
Mr Kleyn is a director of Good Samaritan Industries and anticipates expanding his board portfolio.
After working together for almost a decade, Mr Swarts paid tribute to the contribution of Mr Kleyn who became involved in WA Business News 16 years ago, having earlier listed suburban publisher Community Newspapers where he was inaugural managing director in the 1980s.
“Harry has enjoyed a long and successful career in the media industry, being the founder of WA Business News and previously the Community Newspaper Group,” Mr Swarts said. “A recent highlight in Harry’s career was leading WA Business News to increase its paid circulation during the global financial crisis, a testimony to the team and Harry’s vision.”
Mr Kleyn said he was proud of his role in building a newspaper and website that has become a must-read for the local business community and an events business that incorporated such well-known brands as 40under40.
“It has been terrific being able to develop a publishing and events management business that is committed to helping business grow in WA and being part of this exciting state,” he said.
In another senior change, Suna Cavanagh has taken on an expanded role in the business as general manager – advertising and events. Ms Cavanagh has been at the helm of WA Business News’ events team for the past six months.
Ms Cavanagh has considerable experience in finance coming to WA Business News from Westpac, where she was the regional manager for its consumer financial planning business.
