The Fairfax Experience: What the Management Texts Didn't Teach Me

Fred Hilmer completed his tenure as CEO of Fairfax in late 2005. With his academic background, he was a surprise appointment to the position that he ended up holding for seven years.

By 2006 Fairfax's earnings had doubled, costs were down and revenues were up; more importantly, in a highly competitive climate, Hilmer had restored the health of the flagging newspaper and publishing empire and built a digital platform.

In "The Fairfax Experience: What the Management Texts Didn't Teach Me" Hilmer discusses his time at Fairfax - his mistakes and what he learned from them, the negatives of change management and how he made the tough decisions while coping with the fall out.

A fascinating look at what it takes for leaders to achieve sustained business success "The Fairfax Experience" shows how theory can fall short in an industry dominated by strong personalities, family empires, legislative reform and the media spotlight.

Fred Hilmer was the chief executive officer of Fairfax from 1998 to 2005. Prior to joining Fairfax Hilmer was the dean and director of the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM). He has also served as a director of McKinsey & Company and been on various boards, including Foster's Group, Port Jackson Partners and Pacific Power.Hilmer is currently the vice chancellor of the University of New South Wales and the lead independent director of Westfield Group.