BusinessDesk appoints Victoria Young

AUCKLAND, Today: BusinessDesk, New Zealand’s top biz news spot, has just welcomed Victoria Young as its new editor, courtesy of NZME’s big reveal today. Victoria steps in for Pattrick Smellie, who’s set to dive into his new gig as Founding Editor, focusing more on his knack for writing and uncovering big stories.

From covering stories across New Zealand, Singapore, to London, Victoria has been a key player at BusinessDesk since 2019, starting off as a senior reporter before leaping into the investigations editor spot in 2022. She’s been a big part of BusinessDesk’s rise as a leading business news name under NZME since early 2022.

“Victoria is an extremely capable, talented journalist, and has already demonstrated excellent leadership skills in her current role at BusinessDesk. Her breadth of international and local business reporting experience, organisational and personal skill aligns perfectly with our goals to further build on BusinessDesk’s success and growth,” says Murray Kirkness, the big boss of content at NZME.

“Victoria is an extremely capable, talented journalist, and has already demonstrated excellent leadership skills in her current role at BusinessDesk.”

Kirkness also gives a shoutout to Smellie: “Pattrick has been instrumental in navigating BusinessDesk’s journey since founding it 16 years ago with Jonathan Underhill, and since its acquisition by NZME just over two years ago. We are delighted that he will continue to be part of our team as he plays to his strengths in business, economic and political analysis and news-breaking,” he adds.

Victoria’s all geared up for her new challenge. “I’m thrilled to embark on this new journey as the Editor of BusinessDesk. Together with the talented team at BusinessDesk, we will continue to push boundaries, drive impactful journalism, and contribute to the vibrant business media landscape of New Zealand,” she shares.

Pattrick’s looking forward to his change of pace. “I’m relishing moving back into a pure writing role,” he mentions. He’s also chuffed about the team’s depth: “What delights me is that we have such great talent in our team and an obvious choice within it to become editor. Victoria is one of New Zealand journalism’s rising stars and she will be great.”

Victoria’s not flying solo; she’ll be teaming up with Duncan Bridgeman, NZME’s Business Managing Editor, to amp up BusinessDesk’s digital game. She’s stepping into her new shoes now, while Pattrick is hitting pause from late April until early September, gearing up for his comeback in the new role.