Bauer CEO Matt Stanton moves to Woolworths

BAUER Australia chief executive Matt Stanton has resigned with Yvonne Bauer acknowledging the move into Australia has been “tumultuous.”

BAUER Australia chief executive Matt Stanton has resigned, as Yvonne Bauer acknowledges the move of the company into Australia has been “tumultuous.”

Stanton will take up a role at Woolworths and will be replaced by chief executive of H Bauer in London, David Goodchild, who has been with the company for 21 years.

A Woolworths spokesman said Stanton would join the company in a senior role in a business transformation area, starting in February.

In a statement to all staff Yvonne Bauer said it has not been an easy task for Stanton to integrate Bauer Australia and New Zealand into the group.

“In fact it has been a tumultuous two years in which we have experienced unprecedented challenges with the global economy and digital revolution impacting on our business worldwide,’’ she said.

“During this time we have had to take several difficult decisions including the closure of some of our magazines.”

Mrs Bauer said there were exciting developments in the future and was pleased to have launched three new magazines.

She said she has known Mr Goodchild for many years and “he is exactly the right person to be leading the company through its next phase of development.”

Goodchilds, who has been chief executive since 2004, has a background in distribution and publishing and Mrs Bauer said he launched the biggest selling title in the UK, TV Choice.

He also led the acquisition of Emap’s magazine and radio divisions in 2007.

“A publisher at heart, David shares my passion for great magazines and is eager to start working with you to take the portfolio to the next level,” Mrs Bauer said in her letter to staff.

“Over the coming weeks you will get to know David better and you will see that passion for yourselves.”

Bauer executives were told of Stanton’s departure at 2.30pm today.