AAP appoints former SMH editor Lisa Davies as new CEO
The Australian Associated Press (AAP) has appointed former editor of The Sydney Morning Herald Lisa Davies as its new CEO of AAP commencing 14 February.
AAP’s current CEO, Emma Cowdroy, recently discussed with the board her desire to step back from the role of CEO due to family commitments. Cowdroy will continue with AAP in a senior executive role.
In October last year, Davies announced she was stepping down after almost five years in the role as editor of SMH, with the deputy editor and former The Sun Herald editor, Cosima Marriner, filling the role until a permanent hire was to be made.
AAP chairman John McKinnon said: “AAP owes an enormous amount of gratitude to Cowdroy for her contribution over the last two years. Cowdroy took on the role of CEO at a time of great uncertainty but has, together with former chair Jonty Low, successfully navigated the transition to a not-for-profit, solely focused on serving the Australian public.
“Together, they achieved stability and created the opportunity for AAP to continue to thrive as a key source of independent, fact-based news for Australia.”
McKinnon added: “To have been able to attract an executive with the calibre of Lisa is a credit to what AAP and its people have been able to achieve over the last two years.
“News media is a vital component of any democracy. But the size of Australia makes it near impossible for any one news outlet to service all communities and regions, which is why having a sustainable and independent newswire is critical to democracy in Australia.”
Davies said of her appointment: “Regardless of where they live or the ways in which they consume their information and ideas, all Australians deserve access to high-quality, accurate and timely news. I see great potential for AAP to deliver this and look forward to consolidating its position as one of Australia’s most trusted, national, independent news providers.
“Media diversity is crucial to democracy and I’m excited by the opportunity AAP has to service both traditional and new platforms, regional and metropolitan audiences.”
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topics
AAP
Australian Associated Press
CEO
Cosima Marriner
Emma Cowdroy
John McKinnon
Lisa Davies
SMH
Sydney Moring Herald
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