After more than 15 years driving News Corp Australia’s upmarket Wish NIM, David Meagher has emerged in a new role with another niche publication.

He becomes managing editor of The Local Project, the design-focussed showcase founded by former furniture maker Aidan Anderson.

Joining him as editor is former News colleague Virginia Jen, most recently deputy editor of Vogue magazine, and previously as a contributor to fashion, luxury, hospitality and design titles including GQ, Gourmet Traveller, Home Beautiful, Country Style and Belle.

The glossy Wish newspaper-inserted magazine appears monthly in The Australian.

Meagher – who left News earlier this year – is a previous deputy editor of the Australian Financial Review’s weekly Life & Leisure section and its quarterly, The Sophisticated Traveller Magazine, as well as being the author of four non-fiction books.

Deborah Cooke has also joined The Local Project, bringing 30 years’ experience in client management, client strategy development, writing and editing at Fairfax Media and other Australian titles to the role of partnerships editor.

Anderson says editorial team is the core of the company, with The Local Project “dedicated to our ongoing development in every aspect of the business.

“It plays a significant role in ensuring we offer valuable insights and establish meaningful relationships between industry leaders and our global audiences.

“Our vision was for The Local Project to be the leading voice for the local design community. Given our highly engaged audiences from a large range of demographics and backgrounds, Meagher and Jen bring extensive experience, knowledge and network to grow our reach and share our messages far and wide”.

He promises “exciting projects and changes” for 2024 and beyond.

Editor Rose Onans, currently on maternity leave, is set to return as head of editorial late next year.

Pictured (from left): Aidan Anderson, David Meagher, Virginia Jen