Deputy Editor of heatworld and Closer, Eden-Olivia Lord has been selected to be part of the PPA’s inaugural Next Gen Board.

The Next Gen Board has been established to encourage more inclusivity for younger and more diverse voices from across the industry. It brings together 16 aspiring under 30s who will work in tandem and collaboratively with the main PPA board to help shape the future of the publishing and specialist interest media sector.

Eden-Olivia Lord said: “I’m still in shock but really excited to be on the PPA Next Gen Board. I’m honoured to take on this role and bring more diversity to the industry. I plan to help the younger generation know that they can have a career in media and achieve great things.”

Chris Duncan, CEO of UK Publishing who sits on the PPA Board and was a member of the judging panel said: “Congratulations to Eden-Olivia and all 15 individuals that were appointed to the board. The quality of applications that we received was truly outstanding and everyone that made the shortlist should be proud of their achievements. 

Eden-Olivia’s appointment is a testament to the outstanding talent we have throughout our business, and I look forward to working with her and the rest of the board in the coming months.”

Sajeeda Merali, CEO of PPA said: “This initiative has been hugely welcomed by the industry and we are delighted that so many people applied.  The Next Gen Board is just one example of the work the PPA is doing to disrupt long standing structures and ensure younger and more diverse industry voices are helping to shape the future of the sector.”   

Assessment interviews for shortlisted candidates took place on earlier this month with each cohort in place for 18 months. The first board meeting taking place in July.

The full list of successful candidates is as follows:

Jo Gallacher, Editor, HR magazine Mark Allen Group

Rebecca Taylor, Commercial Content Manager – Retail Week, William Reed Business Media

Maliha Shoaib, Editorial Associate, Vogue Business – Vogue Business

Lauren Pulling, Products & Insight Director – Collingwood Advisory

Gift Egbedi, Brand marketing & Communications manager, Beano studios – DC Thomson

Gina Dawson, Head of Audience Development – Future

Michael Sidhu, Data Analyst – Immediate Media

Beth Crane, Affiliates director – Immediate Media

Neve Trinder, Diversity & Belonging coordinator – Hearst UK

Lauren Briner, Marketing Manager, The Week – Future

Aliya Itzkowitz, Senior consultant – FT Strategies

Navdeep Pal, Studio Manager – Haymarket Media Group Ltd;

Eden-Olivia Lord, Deputy editor, Heat World and Closer online – Bauer Media

Charlie Robinson, Commercial management accountant- New Scientist

Josephine Judd, Commerce Picture Editor, GQ – Conde Nast

Jade Burnett, Senior Conference Producer – Faversham House