Editor-in-Chief, Fairfax Digital (Melbourne)

Mike van Niekerk began his career 30 years ago editing the local newspaper in a small South African mining town - a publication produced using 19th century hot metal technology for a hyper-local audience.

Later, he specialised in in arts and technology journalism, winning several awards for his writing. Since 2001 he has been Fairfax Digital Editor-in-Chief, overseeing the editorial development of the websites of The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, as well as the launch of Business Day online and the online-only news sites brisbanetimes.com.au and watoday.com.au.