Following news of Mamamia CEO Natalie Harvey’s departure, the independent women’s media group has appointed Luca Lavigne, the son of co-founders Mia Freedman and Jason Lavigne, as its new CEO.
Lavigne assumes the CEO position after serving as Mamamia’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Product Officer for the past two years. He has worked across the business for more than a decade.
Over the past four years, Lavigne has led Mamamia’s transition to a dual advertising and subscriber model, including expanding the business beyond media offerings. He has also overseen the growth of the company’s podcast network and its shift to a video-first strategy.
Lavigne thanked Harvey for her contribution to the business. “On behalf of the entire company, I wholeheartedly thank Nat for her outstanding leadership through a period of great opportunity and momentous change for the industry.
“Her leadership is defined by expertise, passion and dedication. This is a better business today because of her, and Nat will always have our friendship and our gratitude for everything she’s done during her time with Mamamia.”
Reflecting on her departure, Harvey said: “The decision to leave Mamamia was an incredibly tough one. I’ve adored my time here, but an opportunity came up that I just could not walk away from.”
That opportunity was at SCA, where she will take on the newly created role of Chief Revenue Officer, as part of a broader executive restructure that also includes the departure of Chief Commercial Officer Seb Rennie. Harvey will remain with Mamamia for several weeks before departing in early September to support the leadership transition.
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Harvey also endorsed Lavigne’s appointment. “I’ve worked closely with Luca since the day I started here and watched him lead the biggest transformations in this business from the inside. He is deeply experienced in this business and knows what Mamamia needs to thrive through the challenges facing the media sector.”
Harvey and Lavigne will spend time with industry partners over the coming weeks ahead of the transition.
The CEO transition follows three senior commercial appointments announced earlier in July. Lanai Wiadrowski has assumed national responsibility for all commercial advertising and partnership revenue. Danni Wright, formerly National Strategy Director, now leads commercial strategy and long-term client partnerships. Finally, Michila Macleod has expanded her remit from Victorian agency operations to provide senior leadership across South Australia and Western Australia.
Lavigne also announced Zara Curtis will move from content into the Chief Marketing Officer role, while Ruth Devine will join the leadership team as Content Director.
From Mediaweek