Private Media CEO Will Hayward Steps Down After 5 Years

Private Media has confirmed that CEO Will Hayward is leaving the Australian publisher to pursue a new venture, with a replacement already identified before the announcement was made public.

Hayward, who has led the company for five years, will remain in his role until the incoming CEO takes over. Private Media publishes Crikey, The Mandarin, and Smart Company.

Successor Secured Before Departure Goes Public

Private Media confirmed the successor has been found but has not yet named the incoming CEO. Hayward will continue working through the handover period to ensure a smooth transfer of responsibilities.

The board released a statement praising Hayward's tenure. "Will has been an extremely successful leader at Private Media. While we're sad to see him go, we respect his decision to pursue a new venture. He leaves the company in its strongest-ever position, and we wish him all the best for his next chapter."

Hayward echoed that sentiment. "Leading Private Media has been the highlight of my career. I am incredibly proud of what the team has achieved together. I look forward to working closely with my successor to ensure the company doesn't miss a beat during this handover."

Hayward confirmed his next role is within the media industry but not competitive with Private Media.

Departure Follows Portfolio Expansion Under Hayward's Watch

Hayward's five-year tenure included the 2025 acquisition of Pinstripe Media, which added three titles to the Private Media portfolio: Kochie's Business Builders, Startup Daily, and Flying Solo. The acquisition expanded the company's reach into small business and startup audiences.

Hayward's career spans The Economist, Dow Jones, and BuzzFeed before he joined Private Media. He became publisher at Smart Company in 2019 before stepping into the CEO role.

Planned Exits Remain the Exception Across APAC Media

Private Media's approach contrasts with broader patterns across the Asia-Pacific media and communications sector. Only one-third of CEO changes across APAC are planned successions, meaning roughly 67% of leadership transitions in the region remain unplanned or reactive.

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Over 80% of new APAC CEO appointments in the most recent measurement period were internal promotions, reflecting a regional preference for continuity during leadership changes.

Unplanned departures have carried visible costs elsewhere in the industry. When PHD's APAC CEO James Hawkins departed unexpectedly in April 2024 after nearly six years, the organization conducted a reactive search before appointing Eileen Ooi, who brought more than 19 years of industry experience. That transition also required a separate appointment to backfill Ooi's previous role at OMG Malaysia.

Dentsu's APAC operations experienced two rapid CEO departures in close succession. Rob Gilby stepped down as APAC CEO after just over two years, followed by Chun Yin Mak's departure from Dentsu China after approximately one year. Industry observers described the pattern as a revolving door, signaling leadership instability to clients and talent.

Private Media's Handover Timeline Still to Be Confirmed

Private Media has not announced a specific date for the new CEO to formally assume the role, stating only that Hayward will leave "within weeks." The identity of the incoming CEO has not been disclosed.

Hayward's departure timeline and the structured handover period reflect a model where the outgoing leader remains actively involved until the successor is fully in place. No further details on the new CEO's background or priorities have been released.