She will be succeeded by Ishmet Davidson, currently CEO of Media24 Print Media, on Monday, 1 October. Weideman will remain involved with the company in an advisory capacity.
Weideman has been at the helm of South Africa’s leading media company for nearly eight years, making her its longest-serving CEO.
Under her leadership, Media24 transformed from a print media powerhouse to a diversified media company with digital and e-commerce brands, while retaining its portfolio of household print brands.
Weideman was the editor-in-chief of Media24’s weekly magazines: Huisgenoot, YOU and DRUM.
Naspers CEO Bob van Dijk says, "Esmaré’s passion for journalism, coupled with her strong business acumen, saw her transform Media24 into a digital media business while continuing to drive and optimise print operations."
Dijk adds, "I’m pleased she has agreed to remain involved in an advisory capacity and wish her every success. I’m confident that under Ishmet’s leadership, Media24 will capitalise fully on rising mobile Internet connectivity across the continent as well as on South Africa’s growing online retail sector."
Prof Rachel Jafta, Media24 chair, says, "I have enormous respect and appreciation for Esmaré, who came into the CEO position straight from an editorial role at a time when several mega-headwinds, such as the digital revolution and changing consumer behaviour, threatened the existence of media houses everywhere."
"She led the change process with strong leadership and teamwork to position the company for continued growth in the digital era. Having been part of that team, Ishmet proved himself an effective and pragmatic leader, making him a natural successor," Jafta adds.
Weideman says she was delighted to hand over the reins to Davidson, with whom she has worked closely for the past six years. "Under Ishmet’s leadership, Media24 will continue to thrive. I leave behind an extremely competent management team and some of the best editors in the country, which made the decision to retire that much easier," she says.
Davidson joined Media24 in 2012 as head of community newspapers. He became the head of its news division in 2014, after which media distribution company On the Dot and Media24’s magazine division were added to his responsibilities.
He has 16 years of experience in the media industry and, among other qualifications, holds a bachelor of commerce degree and an MBA from the Edinburgh Business School at Scotland’s Heriot Watt University.
Davidson says he was humbled by the confidence the Media24 board had in appointing him to lead the company. "I am very much looking forward to building on the legacy left by Esmaré," he says.
"Our industry is facing numerous challenges, but I have no doubt that with the support of our outstanding people, and the leadership of our excellent management team, Media24 will continue to flourish," he adds.
Weideman says she was honoured to have been asked to stay on as a mentor and advisor. "I’ve had fantastic innings, ever since joining Die Burger as an intern in 1984. To end my career as CEO has been the cherry on the top."
"But this is just the end of my corporate life – my passion for journalism is stronger than ever, and I hope to continue to play a meaningful role in a company, which has been my home and an industry I absolutely love. For now, I am looking forward to a break, lots of reading and travelling and spending time with my family and friends," concludes Weideman.
Weideman’s awards include Media24’s Piet Cillié prize for Excellence in Journalism (2005) and Naspers’s Phil Weber Award for Sustained Achievement in a Career with Naspers (2007), the group’s highest accolade.
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