The International Press Institute (IPI) is delighted to announce the election of eight distinguished media professionals to its global Executive Board, further strengthening IPI’s mission to uphold press freedom and support independent journalism worldwide. They were elected by the IPI membership during the 73rd General Assembly held in Sarajevo on 23 May 2024.
The newly elected Board members are:
- Azhar Abbas, Managing Editor, Geo News Television, Pakistan
- Simon Allison, Editor-in-Chief, The Continent, South Africa
- Johannes Bruckenberger, Editor-in-Chief, ORF, Austria
- Akio Fujii, Executive Chair of Editorial Board, Nikkei Inc., Japan
- Alia Ibrahim, Co-founder and CEO, Daraj Media, Lebanon
- Anne Leppäjärvi, Degree Director, Haaga-Helia UAS, Finland
- James Stephenson, Executive News Editor, BBC News, UK
- Ipek Yezdani, International Journalist & Communications Expert, Turkey
These media leaders bring a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives to the IPI Board, enhancing its ability to address the challenges faced by journalists and media organizations globally. Each Board member has a distinguished track record in journalism and a resolute commitment to defending press freedom.
“We are honoured to welcome these exceptional editors and journalists to our Executive Board,” said IPI Executive Director, Frane Maroević. “Their unparalleled global expertise and dedication to media freedom and independent journalism will be instrumental in guiding IPI, as we champion the cause of press freedom and defend the rights of journalists worldwide. The election of these new members and our new leadership is a testament to IPI’s commitment to diverse and inclusive governance, reflecting the dynamic and evolving landscape of global media.”
In addition to welcoming new members, the newly constituted board has elected its new leadership team. Márton Gergely, Editor-in-Chief of HVG, Hungary, has been elected as the Chair of the Board. The following members were elected as Vice Chairs:
- John Daniszewski, Vice President, Standards, Editor-at-Large, The Associated Press, USA
- Alia Ibrahim, Co-founder and CEO, Daraj Media, Lebanon
- Paula Miraglia, Publisher and CEO, Gama Revista, Brazil
- Daryna Shevchenko, CEO, Kyiv Independent, Ukraine
“As IPI welcomes new Board members and leadership, we also bid farewell to several respected colleagues who have completed their terms on the Board. Khadija Patel, Journalist in Residence at IFPIM in South Africa, who served as the Board Chair for three and was a Board member for six years. Zaffar Abbas, Editor, Dawn newspaper, Pakistan; and David Jordan, Director, Editorial Policy, BBC, UK, who both completed their maximum term of six years on the Board. Their contributions have been invaluable, and we extend our deepest gratitude for their dedication and service. They will always remain part of the IPI community,“ concluded Maroević.
IPI Executive Board members serve three-year terms, extendable for a second term. See the complete list of Board members.
IPI’s General Assembly is the organization’s highest governing body, composed of all IPI members.
