SmartCompany founder Amanda Gome has left independent online media group Private Media after more than five years with the company.
As one of Australia’s top experts on the SME community, Gome was a driving force behind the creation of SmartCompany, StartupSmart, LeadingCompany and Property Observer.
Private Media chairman Eric Beecher said in a statement: “Amanda Gome, who has been one of the key contributors to the growth of Private Media, has left the company after the board decided a new CEO is needed to steer the next stage of the company’s development.”
“Private Media has expanded rapidly and, like many fast-growth companies, requires a different set of leadership skills from those needed in its formative years.
“Amanda Gome continues her involvement with Private Media as a significant shareholder, and the company wishes her well for her professional future.”
Gome said she wished Private Media all the best.
“This happens in entrepreneurial businesses when there are different ideas to take the company forward.
“I was very focused on building on a portfolio of publications based around entrepreneurship, investors and professionals, especially women’s, and to create new advertising channels to those market places.
“Eric, as he himself said in the paper last week, has lots of other ideas, which is fine.
“I am so proud of what I have built. SmartCo is the leading voice for entrepreneurs and small business owners and we have built a channel to the entrepreneurial market for advertisers for the first time.
“We have also created a marketplace for start-up companies and I am incredibly proud I have helped create Property Observer, LeadingCompany, Women’s Agenda and The Power Index.
“Private Media has a fantastic future and I am incredibly grateful for the support of some of the best media and commercial and operations staff in Australia. I wish it all the best.”
Private Media will begin the hunt for a new CEO immediately.
