Amanda Bardas has been promoted to head of Val Morgan Digital, succeeding Brian Florido, who departed earlier this month.
Bardas joined the company in 2019 as executive editor before becoming publisher, a role in which she was recognised as Mumbrella Publish’s ‘Leader of the Year’ in 2024 for her work across titles including Buzzfeed, Popsugar, Ladbible, and Gamespot.
She brings extensive experience to the role, having previously served as executive editor at Pedestrian Group and editor of lifestyle titles at Allure Media.
Hoyts CEO Damian Keogh praised Bardas as “integral in growing Val Morgan Digital to the publishing powerhouse it is today,” adding that “Amanda’s leadership and extensive expertise make her the ideal person to guide the business through its next phase of growth.”
Bardas said she was honoured to take on the position: “It’s a privilege to step into this role and lead our incredibly talented and passionate team. We’re perfectly positioned to propel the business forward and continue our expansion – deepening our connection with youth audiences across Australia.”
The appointment follows Val Morgan Digital’s recent closure of its local content site The Latch, which shut down on September 30 as the company refocuses on its global publishing brands, LADbible, BuzzFeed, Tasty, Fandom, and POPSUGAR.
