NZ Herald business columnist Fran O'Sullivan has been appointed to the newly created position of NZME editorial director for business.

O'Sullivan has written a weekly column for the Business Herald since its inception in April 1997.

In her early journalistic career she was a political journalist in Wellington and subsequently an investigative journalist who broke many major business stories including the first articles that led to the Winebox Inquiry in both NBR and the Sydney Morning Herald.

O'Sullivan has specific expertise in relation to China where she has been a frequent visitor since the late 1990s and is a former editor of the National Business Review.

NZME chief executive Jane Hastings said O'Sullivan's leadership and respected connections within the business community would further strengthen NZME's business content.

"We are excited to have secured New Zealand's best to lead business for the future."

O'Sullivan will work across all NZME business brands and platforms including digital, publishing, radio and events.

She will also work closely with The New Zealand Herald Business Editor Liam Dann and NZME Radio's general manager talk, Dallas Gurney.

O'Sullivan said she was thrilled with the appointment.

"I have a passion for high-quality business journalism and the opportunity to take a hands-on role working collaboratively with NZME's talented team across the whole business is too good to miss."

O'Sullivan launched the annual Mood of the Boardroom report and the annual China Business Summit.

She is also a multiple winner of the Westpac Financial Journalism Award and the Qantas Reporter of the Year.

NZ Herald Editor Shayne Currie said O'Sullivan was one of New Zealand's most highly respected business journalists and one of the Herald's best read.

"Fran and Liam make for a formidable duo," he said.

Gurney agreed.

“Fran brings a first-class track record in business journalism combined with a proven entrepreneurial flair.

"Fran has been an expert commentator on Newstalk ZB for a long time now and it’s fantastic we’re able to extend that relationship."