Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Bongani Ndlovu, bongani.ndlovu@chronicle.co.zw
ZIMBABWE Newspapers (Zimpapers) Group, the country’s biggest integrated media organisation, yesterday announced the departure of three senior executives as their contracts come to an end, with the company pledging a seamless transition to new leadership.
Zimpapers owns The Herald, The Sunday Mail, The Chronicle, The Sunday News, Umthunywa, B-Metro, H-metro, Star FM, Zimpapers Television Network (ZTN), Typocrafters and Natprint among others.
Last month, the company officially launched its ambitious digital transformation initiative aimed at modernising operations and enhancing reader engagement.
The initiative responds to the rapidly changing media landscape, where digital consumption is increasingly the norm.
In a statement, Zimpapers board chairperson Mrs Doreen Sibanda, announced that the group chief executive officer Mr Pikirayi Deketeke, chief finance officer Mr Farai Matanhire, and chief marketing officer Mr Tapuwa Mandimutsira have proceeded on leave while serving their notice periods.
“As we bid farewell to these executives, we are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and continued success under new leadership.
“We are grateful for the dedication and commitment shown by Mr Deketeke, Mr Matanhire and Mr Mandimutsira over the years. As they move on to new endeavours, we extend our heartfelt appreciation and best wishes for their future success,” she said.
To oversee the transition, the Zimpapers board has appointed the group editorial executive, Mr William Chikoto, as acting CEO and the group financial controller, Mrs Annah Kufakunesu, as acting chief finance officer.
“With his extensive experience and deep understanding of our business, Mr Chikoto is well-positioned to steer Zimpapers through this transition period. Mr Chikoto has previously served as editor of The Herald and also as editor of The Sunday Mail, two of the group’s flagship papers,” said Mrs Sibanda.
“He is presently leading the group’s newsroom transformation project, a cornerstone of the digital transformation programme. The group financial controller, Mrs Annah Kufakunesu, has also been appointed the acting chief finance officer. Mrs Kufakunesu has a wealth of financial expertise and a proven track record of driving financial performance.”
The Zimpapers board chairperson said the group is forging ahead with its digital transformation strategy and expanding its market presence to ensure sustained growth and innovation.
“Our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies and enhancing customer experiences remains unwavering. We are excited about the future prospects and the opportunities that lie ahead,” said Mrs Sibanda.
The Zimpapers board expressed optimism about the company’s future under its interim leadership and reaffirmed its commitment to innovation and excellence.
“We assure our stakeholders that the company is in capable hands and is poised for continued success,” said Mrs Sibanda.
Mr Deketeke was appointed CEO in April 2015 and has led the company through numerous milestones, which include diversifying the Zimpapers business from being a purely newspaper publishing and printing company to the current integrated media group it is today.
Under his leadership, Zimpapers has solidified its position as a market leader and expanded its footprint into broadcasting with top brands such as Star FM and Diamond FM. It also ventured into television by setting up ZTN.
He has been with Zimpapers for 37 years and previously served as editor of The Herald, editor-in-chief and chief operating officer.
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