Erik Jensen, a seasoned member of Schwartz Media's senior leadership team, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer, taking over from Ben Shepherd. Shepherd has resigned from his position to pursue other opportunities, leaving the reins to Jensen, who has been part of the company's leadership for the past 12 years.

Jensen's career at Schwartz Media has been marked by significant contributions, including serving as the founding editor of The Saturday Paper and the daily news podcast 7am. His role as editor-in-chief across the group will continue in conjunction with his new responsibilities as CEO.

Shepherd expressed his confidence in Jensen's ability to lead the company forward. "I have appreciated the opportunity to lead a business that is committed to the sustainability and support of independent public interest journalism," Shepherd said. "I am proud of the progress made this year and have full confidence Erik Jensen will continue to increase the positive impact Schwartz Media and its brands have on Australian readers and listeners. He has been an exemplary editor and journalist for over a decade and will make an equally strong chief executive."

Morry Schwartz, the founder of Schwartz Media, echoed Shepherd's sentiments. "Erik and I started talking about him taking over as chief executive when we began looking to fill the role last year. He has a natural feel for the company and intimately understands what makes it a success. He brings to business the same qualities he brings to journalism: huge drive and ambition, immense clarity in dealing with complex problems, and the ability to cut through to the centre of an issue. I thank Ben for his work with the company and look forward to working with Erik as we steward Schwartz Media to even greater heights."

Jensen, an award-winning journalist, biographer, screenwriter, and poet, is enthusiastic about his new role. "Schwartz Media produces some of the strongest journalism in this country. It is an honour to run the company that supports that journalism. I've worked in newspapers and magazines since I was 15 and I've seen good decisions and bad ones. I'm firm in the belief that strong journalism needs to be backed by a strong business - and that the success of a company such as Schwartz Media lies in its commitment to quality."