News Corp Australia splits AI push across two new leadership roles

News Corp Australia has appointed two technology leaders to tackle different sides of its AI agenda: testing new tools across the business and running the platforms that support its publishing operations.

In a company announcement dated 11 November 2026, the publisher named Paul Stevenson as director of AI, innovation and transformation, and Nicholle Lindner as director of enterprise, AI and data platforms. Both join its Technology, Data & Digital leadership team.

The start dates are staggered. Stevenson is due to begin in November 2026, with Lindner joining in December.

Stevenson’s brief stretches across editorial, commercial and digital teams. According to News Corp Australia, he will lead how the business tests and adopts emerging technologies, help shape its AI roadmap, oversee its innovation hub and guide key transformation programs within the technology division.

Lindner takes responsibility for the core data, AI and enterprise software platforms underpinning the publishing network and its round-the-clock operations. Her remit includes data strategy and platform operations, with the stated aim of helping teams launch digital products quickly and securely.

The division of responsibilities puts experimentation on one side and the systems needed to support it on the other. The company is presenting the appointments as a way to bring technology work closer to everyday business operations, rather than as the launch of a particular AI product.

“As we accelerate our digital roadmap, bringing technology teams even closer to our daily operations is essential to building velocity and delivering greater value for our audiences and commercial clients,” chief digital and technology officer Nandor Locher said in the announcement.

News Corp Australia says Stevenson brings more than 20 years of digital, customer experience and transformation leadership, with experience across Salesforce, Airbnb and Qantas. In its separate report published on 12 November, iTnews identified his most recent position as a CxO advisory role at Salesforce.

Lindner’s career spans more than two decades, including roles at Deloitte Australia, Gartner, Westpac and Commonwealth Bank, according to the company. iTnews reported that she is joining from Deloitte.

For now, the announcement sets out leadership responsibilities, not measured outcomes. It does not name specific AI tools, provide a deployment timetable or quantify expected commercial gains. Faster product delivery and reliable platforms are the company’s stated goals, with the two incoming directors tasked with turning that brief into operational work.