After undertaking its first ever public recruitment for the role, The Spinoff is proud to announce its next editor.
Highly experienced journalist and newsroom leader Veronica Schmidt will be the fourth editor of The Spinoff. Schmidt will step into the role in November, replacing outgoing editor Madeleine Chapman.
Schmidt brings over two decades of experience in New Zealand and UK media as a journalist, editor and newsroom leader. You’ll be familiar with her work leading RNZ’s award-winning investigative and longform InDepth team and serving as the general manager of digital news and content at TVNZ. A highly respected and Voyager award-winning writer, she has contributed to publications such as The Times (UK), The Listener, Metro, the NZ Herald and the Sunday Star-Times.
If you haven’t read Schmidt’s award-winning essay yet, you really should.
The Spinoff CEO Amber Easby spoke non-exclusively to The Spinoff and said the appointment signals an exciting new chapter for the independent media organisation. “We are thrilled to welcome a leader of Veronica’s calibre to The Spinoff,” she said. “Her track record in building and leading high-performing teams is exceptional. Veronica’s strategic vision for digital media and her proven leadership will be invaluable as we continue to evolve. We are incredibly excited for her to lead our talented editorial team and guide The Spinoff into its next era of growth.”
Spinoff founder Duncan Greive, Veronica Schmidt and Spinoff CEO Amber Easby (Photo: Jin Fellet)
And now a word from Veronica Schmidt.
“I’m so excited to be joining The Spinoff, a platform I’ve always admired for its unique voice, sharp commentary and commitment to local stories. Madeleine Chapman and the team have done such a great job building a dynamic and trusted publication. I’m really looking forward to working with this talented group of writers and producers to continue delivering the fresh, witty and bold journalism The Spinoff is known for, and to explore new ways to connect with their audience.”
Schmidt will begin her reign as editor in November, following on from founder Duncan Greive, current editor-at-large Toby Manhire and Chapman.
Again, Schmidt will join The Spinoff in November. Please do not try to email her at a Spinoff address before then, it won’t work.