The Walkey Foundation made the announcement this morning, saying all directors were unanimous in supporting Marina’s appointment following a selection process.
Marina said on her appointment that it comes as the media landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, and the Walkey’s role in advancing the best in Australian journalism has never been more important.
“We remain focused on elevating the value of quality journalism and highlighting the impact that it has on our society and our democracy,” she said.
“In 2020 we’ll be investing in the Walkley Public Fund directly into Australian journalism, and expanding the opportunities we offer to help the next generation of journalists from diverse backgrounds break into the industry, through scholarships, fellowships and mentoring.
She also thanked Kerry O’Brien for his leadership throughout 2019 and for recommending her as his successor, and said she looks forward to continuing the work of fulfilling the board and CEO’s mission.
Her appointment has been welcomed be Walkeys CEO Louisa Graham: “Marina has already made a huge contribution to the leadership of the Walkley Foundation with years of voluntary service on the Walkley Judging Board (2014-16) and as a Director since October 2017, along with Michael Janda, Karen Percy, Marcus Strom and Lenore Taylor,” she said.
Marina has had a long career as a journalist, editor, business founder and non-executive director. She’s worked across magazines and digital media, including as the founding publisher of Women’s Agenda. She now has an extensive board portfolio that currently includes her role as Chair of Suncorp Super Netball and Ovarian Cancer Australia; and as a non-executive director of Energy Australia, Autosports Group, 7-Eleven, and Pro-Pac. She’s also Chair of the Advisory Board for the Centre For Media Transition at the University of Technology Sydney, and a director of PwC’s Diversity Advisory Board.