Eugene Goddard has left Now Media after eight years with its logistics and supply chain title, Freight News.
Goddard joined the publication in May 2018 as deputy editor to Joy Orlek, when the title was still published as Freight & Trading Weekly (FTW).
In 2020, Now Media took a strategic decision to restructure the product for the future, transitioning from a weekly print publication to a daily online news platform (providing regular industry updates) supported by in-depth weekly features published in a monthly print compendium.
The format, which has been in place for six years, repositioned the title towards a digital-first model, accelerated by demand for more immediate industry news during the Covid-19 pandemic.
As part of this shift, Goddard was appointed Online Editor of the daily Freight News product. Liesl Venter was appointed Features Editor, leading the weekly features offering that continues to be published in a monthly print compilation.
“We would like to thank Eugene for his contribution and the role he has played during his time with us. He has been a big part of the team since 2018 and we wish him all the best for what lies ahead,” says Now Media MD, Anton Marsh.
Reflecting on his tenure, Goddard said: “Working through a difficult rebranding phase during the Covid pandemic was probably one of the most difficult challenges of my career in journalism, but we managed thanks to a dynamic team of dedicated news junkies.
“Disruption in our industry has become the norm, and unless you’re in it with everything you have, don’t even think of trying. Come to think of it: it’s why I love the cargo community – for the sheer never-say-die spirit of its stakeholders.”
Goddard said he would be pursuing new opportunities in the logistics and supply chain sector.
Now Media is in the process of recruiting a new online editor. In the interim, Editorial Director Natasha Schmidt will step into the role to ensure continuity, supported by an experienced editorial team, including senior journalist Lyse Comins, sub-editors Joy Orlek and Ann Braun, and features editor Liesl Venter. Together, the team brings more than 70 years’ experience in the freight industry.
