Irish Examiner appoints CEO designate

IRISH EXAMINER owners Thomas Crosbie Holdings Ltd (TCH) have appointed Tom Murphy chief executive designate of the Irish Examiner.

He will replace CEO Padraig Mallon who is to leave the company at the end of November.

TCH group managing director Anthony Dinan said that for seven years Mr Mallon made a significant and noteworthy contribution to the development of both the group and the Irish Examiner.

“It is with sincere regret that I accept his decision to move on. Padraig has indicated that he wishes to exploit his commercial acumen and management capabilities in other areas of business.

We respect his decision and wish him every success for the future.”

Mr Mallon said yesterday that he immensely enjoyed his seven years with Examiner Publications.

For him, one of the highlights was the above average growth in advertising revenue enjoyed by the company since the mid 1990s.

Mr Mallon praised the shareholders, board and management whose conviction and initiative he said helped to create a great business and a thriving brand.

He also went on to thank the “fantastic and loyal workforce” for their commitment and contribution in helping make the Irish Examiner a great newspaper.

Mr Murphy will assume the position of chief executive designate from October 1 until Mr Mallon leaves the company.

Mr Murphy joined TCH in 1990 and has held a number of financial positions within the group.

He is currently group commercial manager.

Commenting on his appointment he said: “I am very pleased to be appointed CEO of the Irish Examiner and am very much looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that will arise.

I would like to thank Anthony Dinan for appointing me and also TCH chairman Alan Crosbie for this vote of confidence.

“I very much regret Padraig's decision to leave the Group at the end of November and I look forward to working closely with him in order to ensure a smooth handover,” said Mr Murphy.

TCH Chairman Alan Crosbie said: “I am sorry to see Padraig go and would like to wish him, and of course Tom Murphy, every success in their respective futures.”

Mr Murphy is a Director of the Western People Group, Carlow Nationalist Group, Democrat Media Group, Sligo Weekender and the Kingdom newspaper in Co.Kerry.

He was closely involved with Anthony Dinan on the recent acquisition of the Sunday Business Post and they have spent a lot of time working together on acquisitions and integrating them into the enlarged Group.

“I am looking forward to the challenges and the opportunities that lie ahead,” he said. “We have a great newspaper which has a long tradition of meeting its customers needs - this is only achieved by the loyal and selfless dedication of the Irish Examiner staff and the commitment of resources by the Group and its Shareholders.”

Mr Murphy is married to Geraldine, they have two children Laura and Alan and they reside in Glounthaune, Co.Cork.