The Associated Press (AP) has a new woman in charge!

According to the company, Daisy Veerasingham has been appointed to president and CEO. She will become the first woman to hold the title since AP was first established 175 years ago.

A first-generation British national of Sri Lankan descent, Daisy Veerasingham is the first woman, first person of color and first international citizen to lead The Associated Press. https://t.co/ErMNYOeuox

— Kat Stafford (@kat__stafford) August 3, 2021

Veerasingham, who is AP’s current executive vice president and chief opertaing officer, will succeed AP President and CEO Gary Pruitt who will remain in the role throughout the end of the year before he retires.

“In Daisy Veerasingham we have chosen a proven leader with a deep understanding of how AP operates and a clear vision for the future. She appreciates the crucial role AP plays in providing journalism and services that are indispensable to the news industry,” said Steven R. Swartz, chairman of the AP Board of Directors and president and CEO of Hearst in an official statement. “Under Gary Pruitt, AP greatly diversified its revenue sources, substantially strengthened its financial position, and led the fight globally for journalist safety and free expression – all while AP journalism flourished, winning six Pulitzer Prizes including its first gold medal for public service. We thank Gary for a decade of exceptional leadership and know that Daisy is the right person to continue this important work.”

Now, Veerasingham will become the 14th leader of the organization in its 175-year history.

“The importance of AP as an unbiased, factual news source cannot be overstated – our journalism reaches more than half the world’s population every day,” said Veerasingham in a statement. “I am thrilled to take the helm of this deeply respected news organization and work with colleagues who do extraordinary work every day in support of our mission. Gary has been a true champion of mine along the way, and I sincerely appreciate his support.”

Throughout her 17 years at AP, Veerasingham has not only grown revenue, but diversified the news agency’s customer base, introduced new business models and led the transformation of AP’s video business.

Under her leadership, the video business has become a fully digital-capable and market competitive platform focused on multi-channel live video delivery.

As a first-generation British national Sri Lankan descent, this appointment is huge for Veerasingham. She is now the first woman, first person of color and the first international citizen to lead the Associated Press.

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