AP Names New Pres. & CEO
• The Associated Press has appointed Daisy Veerasingham as its new President & CEO, effective January 1, 2022, succeeding retiring AP President & CEO Gary Pruitt. Veerasingham is a 17-year AP veteran who currently serves as Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, and effective Jan. 1, she will become the 14th leader, the first woman, the first person of color and first international citizen to lead The Associated Press in its 175-year history.
“In Daisy Veerasingham we have chosen a proven leader with a deep understanding of how AP operates and a clear vision for the future,” said Steven R. Swartz, Chairman of the AP Board of Directors and President & CEO of Hearst. “She appreciates the crucial role AP plays in providing journalism and services that are indispensable to the news industry. 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.”
Pruitt remarked, “I have been truly honored to work at the AP, an organization with so many talented people dedicated to advancing fact-based journalism — a mission that’s never been more important. But after nearly 10 years as CEO, this feels like the right time to pass the baton. There is no better person to lead AP into its next chapter than Daisy, with whom I’ve worked closely over the past decade. With her experience, judgment and values, Daisy will be a terrific leader of the AP.”
Veerasingham said, “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. I’m 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.”
Veerasingham joined AP in 2004 as Sales Director for AP Television News in London. She later became VP of Sales for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia, and later, SVP for International Revenue. In 2019 Veerasingham was named SVP & Chief Revenue Officer, and in Feb. 2021 she attained her current role as EVP & COO. [AP Photo]
