Nigel was raised in Deniliquin and educated locally before embarking on a career in digital transformation throughout Australia and internationally.
He has more than 20 years experience as a CEO in healthcare, environmental science and local government, and has been in Perth for the past 17 years as owner/director of IT Vision Pty Ltd, before its successful sale to an ASX listed company.
But he wanted to return to the town he has always loved, and the opportunity arose when he was made aware the Pastoral Times was recruiting a new general manager.
“I was delighted to be accepted for this role, which includes general manager of the Southern Riverina News,” Nigel said.
The position became available when former general manager Leesa Muir decided on a different career path due to health reasons.
She will stay on with the Pastoral Times until mid-December, to help with the transition.
“It is a privilege to take over from the likes of Leesa, Sam Hall and Garry Baker – the Pastoral Times has only had three leaders in the past 30 years,” Nigel said.
“I look forward to leading the company through the upcoming period of rigorous journalistic reporting, continuing community advocacy and exciting modernisation.
“Throughout the journey, my door and the PT’s door will always be open to readers and advertisers, and feedback will be welcomed.”
Deniliquin Newspapers P/L chair Rob Brown welcomed Nigel at what he sees as an exciting time for one of Australia’s oldest local newspapers.
“The Pastoral Times has evolved over more than 165 years to meet the needs of our community, and the board is excited about the next phase under Nigel’s direction. We will have more announcements around company strategy in the near future.”
Nigel originally moved to Deniliquin in 1972 when his father, Des, was appointed the inaugural deputy principal of Edward Public School.
Nigel attended Edward, then Deniliquin High School before participating in a NSW Health Department management trainee program, working at Deniliquin teaching hospital from 1985 to 1988, then moving to Brisbane to study informatics (a business version of computer science).
As his career progressed Nigel continued in the healthcare industry, including the introduction to computers, software and technology in hospitals.
While growing up in Deniliquin he was heavily involved in local sport, playing football for Deni Rams and tennis at the lawn tennis club.
His mother, Robyn, has remained in Deniliquin; Des Lutton passed away in 2017.
The next chapter in his exciting career will be guiding the Pastoral Times and Southern Riverina News through a period of transformation, at a time when the true value of local newspapers is being appreciated, at both community and government level.
“There are huge opportunities for the business, which I am keen to explore,” he siad.
“While our core function will continue to be publishing your local newspapers, we will also be investigating other areas in communications and marketing to help the business grow.”
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