Richie Oakley steps down as editor of Business Post
The editor and chief content officer is leaving the role, it has been announced
Richie Oakley, editor and chief content officer of the Business Post, is leaving the role, it has been announced.
Oakley, who has edited the paper for just over three years, is leaving to take up a new role with a public relations and strategic communications agency. Gillian Nelis, the newspaper's deputy editor, has been appointed acting editor with immediate effect.
Oakley, a previous editor of the Times, Ireland edition, joined the Business Post in August 2019. He has edited the paper through a period of transformation in which it has rebranded, introduced new digital technology, launched a new website and apps, and moved to publish on a seven-day basis.
The newspaper has also launched new products and services including podcasts, newsletters and awards schemes, and added the magazine titles Food & Wine and Irish Tatler to its offering. The journalism team at the Business Post has expanded with the hiring of high-profile reporters to join the existing team.
"I would like to thank Enda O’Coineen, the publisher of the Business Post, Colm O'Reilly, the chief operating officer, and Sarah Murphy, the chief executive, for giving me the opportunity to edit one of the country's most trusted and respected newspapers. I would also like to thank the entire team at the Business Post for three fantastic years,“ Oakley said.
“It has been a privilege to work with everyone and the strength of the Business Post now is testament to their hard work and loyalty to the brand. I also know the Business Post is in safe hands and will continue to flourish under the guidance of Gillian Nelis, now acting editor, Sarah Murphy and the entire team. I wish everyone the best for the future and I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our loyal readers, whose support is vital. Thank you for reading the Business Post and providing the newspaper with the revenue it needs to invest in quality journalism.
“The Business Post Group has expanded during my three years as part of an executive-led strategy to grow the company and to match our award-winning journalism with other services. It has done so while keeping the newspaper at the centre of the group and maintaining its independence. The group now includes such well-known brands as Red C, iQuest and DNA Digital. This strategy has proven to be effective and it is testament to the vision of Enda and Colm. I know the group will continue to flourish and I want to thank everyone in the wider group for their support.”
Enda O’Coineen, publisher and Business Post Group chief executive said: “Richie has made an excellent contribution to the Business Post during his tenure as editor. The content has gone from strength to strength under his leadership, breaking stories that have made an impact, as well as overseeing a period of immense digital growth for the organisation. On behalf of the board and all our team, we wish him the very best of luck in his next chapter.”
Sarah Murphy, chief executive of the Business Post, said: “Richie has made a notable impact on the organisation during his time here and will be sorely missed. In the short period that we have worked together, it has been a privilege to witness the commitment, dedication and leadership that he demonstrated in the position. I wish both him and his family every good wish for the future.”
Oakley, 46, said he was moving to a new role as a director with Dublin-based Murray Consultants.
Commenting on his appointment, Oakley said: “Joining the team at Murray feels like a logical progression at this point in my career and one I’m very excited about.”
