One of Australia’s largest independent media groups has appointed its new chief executive – its founder’s 28-year-old son.
Mamamia, which was founded by Mia Freedman in her lounge in 2007, has promoted Luca Lavigne.
Mr Lavigne has worked at the business since he was a teenager, starting as an intern before becoming chief operating officer two years ago.
He replaces Nat Harvey, who has left the organisation to join the Southern Cross Media Group.
Mr Lavigne’s appointment to the top role was announced on an episode of the Mumbrella podcast.
During the appearance, he paid tribute to his predecessor, while defending his promotion.
”I’ve spent about a decade working across every part of this business,” he said.
“I came in when I was 18 as an intern. I found my first grey hair the other day, which I think says a lot about where I’m at in my life.
“I’ve also just had newborn twins, I’ve got three kids at home. So it seems to be a pattern in my life that I seem to do things a little early.”
He has been chief operating officer at the company since 2024, having worked his way up through the business.
“I have heard that CEO really stands for chief energy officer, and Nat is the best example of that,” he added.
“I’ve never met anyone who can get up in front of a group of people and inspire them as Nat can, and I’m going to miss that about her hugely.”
Addressing his family links to Ms Freeman and his father Jason Lavigne — also a company director — he said he was ready for media criticism.
“Let’s be honest about how I got in the door here 10 years ago, the co-founders and I go back a long time. We’ve known each other a while, I’m not going to insult anyone’s intelligence by pretending otherwise,” he joked.
“What I do know is that Mamamia is not a place that you can coast.”
Ms Harvey also defending his appointment.
“There will be nobody in this business, certainly over the last 12 months, that would question Luca’s work ethic or contribution or ability to do the job,” she said.