Impress announces new board members

Impress has confirmed the addition of three new members to its board of directors, with Caro Kriel, Samuel Regan Asante, and Hannah Wickes joining the independent press regulator.

Each new board member has been appointed via Impress’s Appointment Panel, ensuring their independence from those publications it regulates and political influence, added the organisation. They will each start their new role on March 5th 2024, bringing with them experience across large swathes of the media industry.

On the new appointments, Richard Ayre, chair of the Impress board, said: “As content consumption shifts more and more online, and as more publishers and journalists see that being independently regulated benefits their brands as well as their readers, Impress is growing its range of services and growing the collective expertise of its board.

“Together Caro, Hannah and Samuel have outstanding records in journalism, new media business, and in technology. They’ll join an already diverse and highly committed Board aiming to raise public confidence in journalism and content creation that’s inquisitive, diverse and, most of all, deserving of trust.”

Having held such positions as CNN’s director of coverage and head of international at Sky News, Caro Kriel’s experience really speaks for itself, added Impress. Recently, she has turned her hand to the training and assistance of journalists in her position as chief executive of the Thomson Foundation.

Impress continued, Samuel Regan Asante boasts a track-record of spearheading start-ups, including a central role in the rapid growth of UNILAD before it was acquired by LADBible Group. He was later at the heart of the acquisition and growth of JOE Media, taking on the role of CEO and leading the brand to industry awards.

Completing the round of new recruits, Hannah Wickes previously worked as a radio journalist and producer in Australia, including for the Australian Broadcast Corporation. But she joins the Impress board as a brand, communications and marketing advisor for startups and non-profits with a focus on tech, climate and social impact.

Chief Executive Lexie Kirkconnell-Kawana also expressed her delight at the new appointments, pointing to the importance of Impress’ independently recognised governance: “I am so excited to welcome Caro, Samuel and Hannah to our board and cannot wait to work closely with, and learn from, each of them as we embark on an exciting new chapter at Impress.

“The independence and quality of our board is one of our proudest assets at Impress. It is essential that, as the media landscape evolves, we do not shy away from injecting new ideas and fresh energy and leadership into the organisation.”