Digital Publishing
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PPA creates ‘Next Gen board’ to develop future, appoints Hearst’s COO as Chair

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The PPA (Professional Publishers Association), the UK trade body representing over 300 publishers, has appointed Jane Wolfson, Hearst UK’s Chief Commercial Officer, as the Chair of its Next Gen board. Interested candidates can still apply to become a Next Gen board member.

The PPA has appointed Jane Wolfson, Hearst UK’s Chief Commercial Officer, to be the chair of its Next Gen board.

Launched last month, the Next Gen board has been established to help shape the future of the industry and forms part of the PPA’s strategy to encourage more inclusivity of younger voices across the special interest media sector.

Designed to be reflective of individuals with diverse backgrounds and skills working across the sector, the PPA Next Gen board will be made up of 15 members aged under 30, and with a minimum of three years’ industry experience.

Whilst the board will be steered by Wolfson, it will also include Adrian Newton, Commercial Director, New Scientist; Jackie Scully, Executive Director, Think; Stuart Forrest, Audience & Marketing Senior Exec; Sophie Eke, Chief Marketing Officer, ARC; and Sajeeda Merali, CEO PPA, who will act as mentors for the Next Gen Board members.

Nurturing talent is key to ensuring a healthy future for our industry. This is a unique initiative and one that I’m really excited to be a part of. We want to encourage different perspectives and ideas, as well as helping the next generation of leaders hone their skills at board level.

Jane Wolfson, Chief Commercial Director, Hearst UK

Working in tandem and collaboratively with the main PPA board, Next Gen members will be able to share their experiences, knowledge and voices to champion the sector, what it means to be part of it and help to shape future solutions. 

Interested candidates can still apply to become a Next Gen board member. Applications close on April 28 and the shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews with Chris Duncan, CEO UK Publishing, Bauer; Nina Wright, CEO, Harmsworth; Ridhi Radia, head of ED&I, Immediate Media; Jess Barclay, head of people, Haymarket; Amer Safir, chief editor, Review of Religions; Amy Ellis, head of rights & permission, PLS; and Sophie Griffiths, editor and chief purpose officer, TTG Media.