Fanning, who co-founded CityMag with Farrin Foster in 2013, has been appointed group creative director of KWP.
The move follows the two-year transition of his start-up title from sole ownership to an important and integrated part of Solstice Media’s publishing operation.
CityMag, which covers the culture and life of Adelaide, was bought by Solstice Media in 2018 and will continue under the editorship of Johnny von Einem, who has worked closely alongside Fanning for the past few years.
Solstice Media, which also publishes InDaily and SALIFE magazine, plans to continue CityMag’s strong digital presence and, once the pandemic restrictions are lifted further, to create a new-look print magazine covering the best of the city.
Solstice Media managing director Paul Hamra said that under Fanning’s leadership, CityMag had carved a place in South Australia’s publishing landscape as a voice of the city and a powerful forum to showcase the young local talent that has been driving change in Adelaide.
“Josh leaves on an absolute high, having established an important and creative brand in Adelaide,” Hamra said.
“His talent will now extend into supporting other brands and we wish him great success.”
Fanning said CityMag remained in good hands.
“I’m making way for CityMag’s future,” he said.
“I’ve fully succeeded in mentoring editor Johnny von Einem to a point where the apprentice is now a true master of all things postcode 5000. He lives and breathes the brand and he has the intellect and intuition to build a new and more influential era for the masthead moving forward.”
Fanning will take up his new role from July 1.
He will work with Executive Creative Director, Corey Swaffer, at KWP in a role will utilise his creative talents in areas such as social media, advertising and marketing technology.
“As Group Creative Director across all facets of our broad business, Josh will add new dimensions to creative strategy and insight bringing in a new generation of thinking to our already strong creative culture,” said KWP CEO, David O’Loughlin.
