The PPA initiative was launched in March 2023, and is part of its strategy to encourage more inclusivity of younger and more diverse voices across the magazine media and special interest sector. 

Each cohort is in situ for 18 months and the successful candidates all have a minimum of three years’ industry experience. 

The successful candidates are:

• Oliver Barsby, Audience Development Manager, Immediate
• Robson Carter-Browne, Partnerships Manager, Time Out
• Alex Bharadwaj, Content Development Specialist, BMJ Group
• Poppy Nash, Managing Editor, Future PLC
• Tom Parry, Content Producer, TTG
• Eve Pullen, Digital Campaign Manager, Total Politics
• Shak Ebrahimjee, Consultant, FT Strategies
• Lian Brooks, Senior Audience Development Manager, Condé Nast
• Aneesa Sandhu, Client Director – Beauty, Hearst UK
• Curtis Moldrich, Digital Editor, Bauer
• Charity Woodruff, Head of Content, Faversham House
• Isabella Hambley, Transformation & Business Change Manager, Hearst UK
• Rosie Fitzgerald, Special Features Managing Editor, Wanderlust Travel Media
• Alex Laybourne, Head of Marketing – Subscriptions & Live Events, Haymarket Media
• Meena Alexander, Associate Editor, The Stylist Group
• Olivia Abbott, Events & Project Executive, New Scientist
  
  

Sajeeda Merali, CEO, PPA commented: “The ambition of the Next Gen Board programme has been to break down traditional structures and empower a new generation of diverse voices to shape the future of our sector. This initiative has received an incredible response from the industry over the last 18 months, and we’re delighted to see a number of our member organisations follow suit with their own boards. The calibre of applications was incredibly high and it’s hugely encouraging to know the future of the sector will be steered by this talent in the coming years.” 

The PPA Next Gen Board assessment interviews took place on 13 November 2024, with shortlisted candidates interviewed by panels including: 

• Amy Ellis, Head of Rights & Permission, PLS
• Sophie Eke, CMO, Arc
• Richie Booker, Head of Diversity & Belonging, Hearst UK
• Jackie Scully, Executive Editor, Think Publishing
• Stuart Forrest, Global SEO Director, Bauer Media
• Adrian Newton, Commercial & Events Director at New Scientist
• Jessica Barclay, Head of People, Haymarket
• Maliha Shoaib, Reporter, Vogue Business
• Gift Egbedi, Brand & Communications Manager, Beano Studios
• Nav Pal, Studio Manager & Podcast Producer, Haymarket
• Rebecca Taylor, Commercial Content Editor, William Reed
• Emma Adler, Head of Organisational Development, Immediate
  
  

The new Board will be supported and mentored by five of the outgoing Next Gen Board members: Maliha Shoaib, Reporter, Vogue Business; Gift Egbedi, Brand & Communications Manager, Beano Studios; Nav Pal, Studio Manager & Podcast producer, Haymarket; Rebecca Taylor, Commercial Content Editor, William Reed; and Beth Crane, Affiliates Director & Strategic Partnerships, Immediate.

The PPA Next Gen Board will be joined by Adrian Newton; Jackie Scully; Stuart Forrest; Sophie Eke; and Sajeeda Merali, as mentors.

The first Board meeting will take place in the New Year.