New deputy MD to maintain strong IHT circ base

Hong Kong - The International Herald Tribune (IHT) has promoted Helena Phua to deputy managing director, Asia Pacific, charged with overseeing strategic and operational functions including overall revenue development.

In her new role, Phua will continue to oversee circulations for Asia Pacific and reports directly to Randy Weddle, MD for Asia Pacific.

Phua said a key challenge in her new role is maintaining the paper's strong circulation base, which increased 4% from 2006 to 2007 at 91, 683 copies according to OJD figures.

She said circulation for IHT in Asia Pacific has grown 94% in the last 10 years, particularly in key markets such as Singapore(80%) and India (145%).

Another immediate challenge she has to tackle is to ensure the company continues to operate in a profitable manner despite the rising cost of print, freight and oil prices and deliver the paper to readers at an affordable price.

India would be a key market she will focus on in the company's strategy to tackle the challenges ahead.