Standard Media Group Raids Nation Media Group for Senior Journalist

Standard Group has put its target on top Nation Media (NMG) journalist as it seeks to make changes in its editorial team.

Top in its headhunt is Churchill Otieno who joined NMG as a reporter before rising ranks to become the Online Editor and Managing Editor (Digital and Convergence).

He is tipped to replace Kizito Namulanda as the Head of Editorial Convergence desk. Namulanda also doubles up as Head of Outdoor Media Services, a role he will most likely retain.

Standard is also eyeing former NMG Executive Editor (Weekend Edition) Eric Obina, who left after political backlash from a story in the Sunday Nation.

He had run a picture in the paper that allegedly showed Deputy President William Ruto and controversial sugar baron Jaswant Rai together in a function.

Another change expected is the Editorial Director Joseph Odindos exit after his contract expires in November 2018.

In an internal memo seen by Business Today, CEO Orlando Lyomu stated that Odindo had led a successful relaunch of the newspapers.

“While we acknowledge that a lot more needs to be done to achieve our goals, I regret to announce that Mr. Odindo has opted not to have his contract renewed when it ends in November this year,” wrote Lyomu.

Kipkoech Tanui is likely to succeed the outgoing director, having served as his deputy. Since he is an insider, he is expected to fit perfectly into the matrix.

Sources indicate that Obino will take over the position left by Tanui.

In May, Lyomu was appointed CEO after serving in an acting capacity following the resignation of Sam Sholei in September 2017.