John Hartigan

John Hartigan is a former Australian journalist and media executive, who worked for News Limited for 41 years, ending his career there as CEO and chair in 2011.

Career Hartigan started his career in newspapers at the age of 16

After joining News Limited in 1970 as a reporter on the Daily Mirror in 1970, he later worked for the Daily Telegraph, both in Sydney. He then moved to London worked for The Sun, and on to New York City to report for the New York Post.

Upon his return to Australia, Hartigan moved to Brisbane to take up editorship of the Queensland edition of the Sunday Herald Sun, and became inaugural editor of The Daily Sun there. He was also director of News Limited subsidiary Queensland Sun Newspapers.

On 30 November 2011, Hartigan left News Limited, and owner Rupert Murdoch took on the role of chairman, while former Foxtel executive Kim Williams took on the role of CEO. Staff were shocked at the decision and there was speculation as to whether he left of his own accord or not. 2022: Officer of the Order of Australia, in the Australia Day Honours

Personal life Hartigan was married to journalist Rebecca Wilson, who died of breast cancer in October 2016. They had honeymooned on the Greek island of Santorini just weeks before her diagnosis in 2012, and had been partners for at least two years before that.

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