The Professional Publishers Association has appointed Sajeeda Merali as as its new CEO.
Starting on 3 September, Merali (pictured, above) will report to the PPA Chairman Tom Bureau and the publishing trade body’s Board. She will be responsible for the development and implementation of a new agenda for the PPA and its members.
This agenda includes championing new and emerging commercial models, promoting the publishing sector to a broad range of stakeholders, as well as improving and promoting diversity and inclusion across the industry.
Merali will join the PPA from the New Statesman Media Group, where as chief revenue officer she is credited with developing and driving new digital revenues and launching a commercial strategy for new brands. Merali was previously the commercial leader of the Insider Publishing Division at Euromoney and she has also held senior positions at Incisive Media, where she was group sales director and director of marketing solutions.
She will replace Owen Meredith who was hired as CEO of the News Media Association in February.
PPA Chairman, and Immediate Media co-executive chairman, Tom Bureau said: “Sajeeda really impressed the recruitment panel with her energy, communication skills and passion for transformation in publishing. She brings highly valuable experience of being in the trenches of change, and championing a vibrant, successful sector.
“Importantly, Sajeeda is passionate about organisational change, driving innovation, and committed to diversity, equality and inclusion, which will be vital as we develop a new vision for the PPA around engaging deeply with specialist communities.”
The PPA represents, champions and supports around 250 UK publishing companies, from multi-media businesses, consumer magazine publishers, to business-to-business data and information providers, customer magazine publishers and smaller independents.
Its membership represents 35% of UK publishing industry, reaching over 44 million people in the UK every month.
