Gina Rinehart ally Jack Cowin has been appointed to the board of Fairfax Media as an independent director, effective immediately.
The ABC reports the founder of Hungry Jack's and other food businesses is viewed as an ally of Ms Rinehart, a mining magnate who wants two board seats after taking a substantial minority holding in the media company.
However, Fairfax chairman Roger Corbett says Mr Cowin's appointment does not indicate Mrs Rinehart will get her board seats.
Hancock Prospecting recently reduced its stake in Fairfax to 15%, after building a stake of 18.7% in the company.
