Society Of Editors Appoints New Executive Director

The Society of Editors have announced today the appointment of Dawn Alford as its new Executive Director. She takes over from Ian Murray, who stepped down in March, after three years in the role.

Dawn has had a long career in the newspaper and magazine industry, spending over ten years as editorial content director for digital and print content agencies.

She established her career in journalism at the Exeter Leader, before moving on to the Express and Echo, and Southampton Daily Echo.

She has also worked for national titles include the Sunday Express, Daily Express, The Daily Mirror, Sunday People and the New Day.

Dawn said: “It’s a privilege to take over as Executive Director for such a prestigious society and one so important in today’s complex world of communication.

“I have spent some time reading the shortlisted entries for this years’ national and regional awards and I am in awe of the incredible and important work undertaken by the British press in 2020.

“Press freedom is essential in times of crisis and, in the context of the global pandemic, British journalism has certainly risen to the challenge.

“As a Society we are about to embark on a series of consultations with our members about our future goals and what we can do to safeguard the freedom of the press, build trust in our industry and help newsrooms be as diverse as the communities and audiences they serve.

“There is a great deal to be done practically, including a refresh of our website and its content to better reflect the new support we can offer and to encourage a new generation of members.

“I’m delighted that we will soon also launch our Diversity and Inclusion Resource Hub which brings together a series of advice and initiatives being put in place across our industry. We hope it will further boost the opportunities for both aspiring and current journalists to progress in their chosen careers.”

Ian MacGregor, chair of the Society of Editors, said: “It is great that Dawn Alford is joining us as Executive Director. Dawn has tremendous experience of national and regional news organisations, has a deep commitment to press freedom, and is passionate about taking the Society forward.”