The Australian Associated Press (AAP) has appointed Gail Hambly, Shirley Chowdhary and Ranya Alkadamani to its board as non-executive directors, meaning the board will be majority female for the first time.
The independent newswire, which has now operated as a not-for-profit organisation for more than a year, is currently expanding its presence, both in the boardroom and on the frontline.
Gail Hambly is an experienced media executive, with a background in commercial and media law. She spent more than 25 years as Group General Counsel and Company Secretary of Fairfax Media Limited.
Shirley Chowdhary’s career has spanned education, law, financial services, funds management, journalism and the not-for-profit sector. She was the inaugural CEO of the GO Foundation, founded by former AFL players Adam Goodes and Michael O’Loughlin, and her passion lies in Indigenous empowerment, reconciliation, and diversity and inclusion. Shirley is also the host of the Women’s Agenda podcast series, The Leadership Lessons.
Ranya Alkadamani is a leader in the media sector, with commercial and political experience advising on strategic communications. She has worked in the impact-investing space.
“There couldn’t be a more important time for all Australians to be well and accurately informed about the critical issues facing this country and the world,” Hambly said.
“AAP is here to deliver reliable, fact-based news in real time. It is an honour and a privilege to have the opportunity to be part of delivering this mission and to help steer AAP into its sustainable future.”
AAP’s board is currently led by chair Jonty Low, CEO Emma Cowdroy, former News Corp executive Peter Tonagh, and businessman and philanthropist John McKinnon.
“Gail, Shirley and Ranya bring a wealth of valuable experience, knowledge and expertise to AAP as the newswire breaks new ground in a competitive media landscape,” Jonty Low said.
“AAP sustains hundreds of independent news outlets in Australia. It is a key part of Australia’s democratic architecture. We look forward to AAP’s growth with the support of new backers that are determined to invest in the business.”