Marcus Billingham-Yuen
Client Strategy Manager
News Corp Australia
Australia

About Marcus: As client strategy manager at News Corp Australia, Marcus Billingham-Yuen loves nothing more than flexing his creative muscles to solve complex challenges. That has become his superpower of sorts, and over the past year he has delivered more than 50 strategic responses for 32 brands across 11 categories, valued at over AUS$20 million. His proactive approach has generated AUS$800,000 in commercial opportunities through his tailored research that addresses specific business problems for clients. “Marcus represents a rare combination that offers insightful thinking to every room,” said Harriet Nash, client strategy director at News Corp Australia. “He is an out-of-the-box thinker, and his strengths commercially earned the nickname ‘Baby Genius.’” Using his skill for recognising new opportunities and developing solutions for existing problems,  Marcus has created training resources that are now used within News Corp Australia. He also has contributed to thought leadership whitepapers and is passionate about laying the groundwork for the next generation of media professionals: “We can improve the media industry using industry development programmes to equip young publishers to better solve the problems of tomorrow, today.”

Jubaer Bin Latif
Senior Brand Specialist
The Daily Star
Bangladesh

About Jubaer: Although he is early in his career, Jubaer Bin Latif is already making ambitious and valuable contributions to the news media industry. After earning his bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Dhaka, Jubaer joined The Daily Star’s marketing team as an intern in 2020. One year later he moved to a high-profile advertising agency, where he became a strategic planning executive and was promoted to senior brand marketing executive within two years. In 2023, Jubaer returned to The Daily Star as a senior brand specialist, bringing new insight and fresh ideas. His out-of-the-box thinking produces projects that truly make a difference in the world around him and have had a measurable impact for the company: last year, his efforts accounted for 3.16% of the company’s total revenue and showed a 29% growth in marketing projects compared to the previous year. Leading more than 30 successful marketing initiatives, Jubaer has established himself as a key player in the media industry, demonstrating his potential for future leadership with his creative, results-driven approach.

Ahmed Saleh Michika
Content Writer
Tudun Tsira
Nigeria

About Ahmed: Ahmed Saleh Michika uses his role at the online platform Tudun Tsira to fight for social change in the northeastern part of Nigeria, especially areas affected by insurgency. It is a calling he has had since joining USAID’s Technology Enhanced Learning for All (TELA) programme in 2016, where he educated over 30,000 Boko Haram-displaced children in literacy and numeracy. That work provided him with a deep sense of purpose to champion for others.“This experience taught me the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and resilience in the face of adversity,” he said. “It showed me that even in the most challenging circumstances, education can empower individuals and communities, opening doors to a brighter future.” In 2017, he founded Women Against Violent Extremism (WAVE) and served as its project coordinator. WAVE supports girl child education and women’s rights, organising campaigns against domestic violence and other forms of violence against women. “I aspire to create positive change, foster a more inclusive and compassionate community, and contribute to building a better world for everyone.”

Thorge Schramm
Senior Social Media & Product Manager
Nordwest Mediengruppe
Germany

About Thorge: Thorge Schramm was just 16 when he began working at a local radio station, quickly transitioning from a youth magazine contributor to hosting his own show. His passion became evident early on, and he played a key role in developing Schlager.de, a music portal that became one of Germany’s top 15 entertainment Web sites. His expertise in social media, honed during his time at Schlager.de, proved invaluable when he joined Nordwest Mediengruppe and established its social media department, implementing innovative products and processes — including creating the popular “Dein Ostfriesland” online community. Since 2023, Thorge has been product manager for the digital brochure portal at Nordwest Mediengruppe, where he focuses on product innovation and integrating artificial intelligence into everyday processes. His innovative approach that blends curiosity with strong analytical skills has earned him a reputation as a forward-thinking leader, said Christine Schwarting, head of online product management: “He is an effective trendsetter and early adopter. His business acumen and strategic thinking abilities make him a valuable asset to any team.” 

Teodora (Teddy) Tepavicharova
Director/Programmatic Strategy
Condé Nast
United Kingdom

About Teodora: When the pandemic changed her planned career path, Teodora (Teddy) Tepavicharova used it as an opportunity to transition from digital marketing to the media industry — and found the new environment was a perfect fit for her skills and interests. Having previously led digital cross-channel media campaigns for major brands, she was immediately comfortable in her new role as director of programmatic strategy (UK) at Condé Nast, where she has infused a fresh approach in campaigns for renowned brands such as Vogue, Tatler, and GQ. Teddy has significantly improved Condé Nast’s commercial side by growing digital revenue and increasing the company’s value. Her role allows her to serve as a strategic consultant, educating clients and agencies on programmatic capabilities and best practices. That innovative approach has paid off, delivering a 62% YoY increase in revenue for 2023, with 88% of the growth coming from new clients. And Teddy, who is pursuing her MBA degree, is just getting started: “My main goal is to make a positive impact on organisations and communities.”

Kevin Cheberenchick
Senior Insights Manager
Bloomberg
United States

About Kevin: Before joining Bloomberg, where he is now a senior insights manager, Kevin Cheberenchick excelled as a manager at TikTok. There, he led international teams and played a crucial role in Project Texas, which enhanced platform security and user trust. He also developed an event system that streamlined operational efficiency. He brought those same forward-thinking skills to Bloomberg, where he has been a catalyst for change. He has revolutionised the company’s pricing strategy, aligned product teams with critical business metrics, and initiated an internal newsletter to boost transparency and cross-functional communication. Kevin pioneered the creation of the first automated engagement pricing and tracking system, transitioning Bloomberg to an advanced ESP system that delivers superior content recommendations to customers. His leadership in adopting machine learning and automated processes is credited with saving time and improving personalised user experiences for customers. Kevin’s insights are highly respected, and thanks to his strategic vision and innovative thinking, he has cultivated an audience of more than 160,000 followers on social media and his popular blog.

Vadim Radinsky
Director/Product, Analytics, Data Science
MediaNews Group
United States

About Vadim: Emerging technologies can dramatically improve the media industry, and that is what Vadim Radinsky wants to do. “AI is capable of helping more than hurting our companies,” he said. “The key is in the right training since the biggest part of learning the new is getting used to it.” Since joining MediaNews Group as director of product, analytics, and data science, Vadim has led his team in building a digital advertising suite of custom reports, creating monetisation reporting, and saving more than US$300,000 in costs by operationalising reporting code. His data science team’s innovative homepage curation initiative brought the best articles to the home pages of newspapers, and all reports were unified in a single data analytics library platform. Next, he imagines a future that leverages data and technology to make local journalism an integral part of communities. “I hope to be able to strategically devise the paths for local media companies to act more independently. It is vital for journalism to be independent, and I have the ability to be at the very heart of it.”

Ankit Kumar Roy
Lead Data Scientist
HT Media
India

About Ankit: Ankit Kumar Roy’s exceptional technical skills, strategic vision, and collaborative spirit have led to a rapid ascent within HT Media. His innovative thinking has revolutionised how the organisation leverages data to drive audience engagement, revenue growth, and retention. One of Ankit’s key achievements is developing and implementing a personalisation engine that doubled user time on the LiveMint app and drove a 15% increase in subscription conversions. Ankit also led the development of the LiveMint Chatbot, a data-powered news product that has garnered widespread acclaim and attracted a new audience segment. Leveraging Generative AI, natural language processing, and machine learning, the chatbot delivers news summaries and insights in a conversational format, achieving a fivefold increase in user engagement over the entire site. In addition to his technical achievements, Ankit creates a collaborative and innovative data team culture, mentoring junior colleagues and promoting knowledge sharing. “Ankit’s technical brilliance, coupled with his leadership and passion for the industry, make him a true trailblazer who is shaping the future of news media,” said Aviral Mathur, head of data science at HT Media.

Andrea Skeith
Senior Data Analyst
Gannett
United States

About Andrea: In just two years at Gannett, Andrea Skeith’s contributions have translated into improvements in several key areas. Her initiative to reduce non-pay subscriber churn resulted in a 124% increase in unique visitor impressions and a 13% click-through rate, contributing US$224,000 in annual non-pay revenue. Andrea’s approach included the creation of new dashboards with rigorous tracking, providing valuable retention insights for A/B testing and opinion coverage impact. Applying her innate analytical skills and strategic mindset, Andrea has evaluated external partnerships and identified critical learnings around tracking, pricing, free trials, and audience alignment. Her analyses have directly informed pricing strategies. Using data-driven approaches, Andrea has consistently delivered impactful insights, optimisations, and product experimentation proposals. Her ability to synthesise complex datasets and her passion for reader-centric innovation have brought attention to her role as an emerging young talent making valuable contributions to the team. And she has proven she is eager to step into a larger role, showing a commitment to continuous learning and professional development to ensure she remains at the forefront of industry trends and best practices.

Leslie Wong
Assistant Manager/Data
South China Morning Post
Hong Kong

About Leslie: Leslie Wong’s exceptional aptitude for data analysis and her natural curiosity propelled her to the position of assistant manager of data at South China Morning Post within just one year. Despite having no prior experience in the media industry, she quickly became the top expert on complex subscriptions datasets and paywall models. Leslie has been instrumental in developing subscription strategies and bringing data transparency to the entire reader journey — from initial content exploration to registration, subscription, and retention. Through meticulous data analysis and thoughtful stakeholder communications, she identified pain points and opportunities to serve readers better. Her data-driven insights and recommendations have led to concrete initiatives, including personalised onboarding journeys, improved retention processes, and optimised paywall rules and pricing campaigns. They have contributed to both subscriber and revenue growth while also reinforcing her role as a team player who can drive business impact. Leslie’s ability to forge strong relationships across functions, combined with her genuine curiosity to learn from others, allow her to develop holistic, cross-functional solutions that maximise business impact.

Tamara Bajcic
Executive Manager/CEO
Demostat Research & Publishing Center
Serbia

About Tamara: Tamara Bajcic leverages her background in data protection, media law, and public diplomacy to drive change within the news media industry. She launched her journalism career in 2017 as deputy editor-in-chief at Serbian Scientific Television and immediately earned a reputation for spearheading innovative media and marketing projects. Since becoming executive manager/CEO at Demostat in 2022, Tamara has eagerly taken on high-profile projects, such as coordinating the NATO Public Diplomacy Programmes and spearheading the “Defense Against Disinformation” project sponsored by the U.S. Embassy. She is known for her forward-thinking approach and believes that the future of the news media industry depends upon taking action: “The media industry needs a reinforced commitment to combating misinformation and enhancing media literacy among the public,” she said. “In an era dominated by digital platforms, the rapid spread of misinformation poses a significant challenge to societal trust and informed decision-making. Strengthening fact-checking mechanisms and promoting educational initiatives can empower audiences to critically assess information, discerning fact from fiction.” And, as a leader of the future, that is what she is determined to do.

Sanket Jain
Journalist
Freelance
India

About Sanket: An independent journalist and documentary photographer from Maharashtra, India, Sanket Jain is committed to highlighting overlooked issues revolving around climate change. His articles and photographs have appeared in MIT Technology Review, Science Magazine, Yale Climate Connections, Health Policy Watch, Wired, and USA Today, allowing him to reach a massive and diverse audience. “I spend over 300 days a year in India’s countryside, often in challenging conditions, reporting on climate change and how it erodes common people’s lives,” he said. His work has highlighted issues such as the impact of climate change on menopausal women, the rise in soil salinity, the mental health of women athletes, and substance abuse — all through the lived experiences of everyday people. This year, Jain was honored with the Forbes 30 Under 30 for his consistent coverage of climate change and its impact on India’s marginalised communities. He is eager to continue his work and change the future: “Climate change is the biggest and most underreported story of the century, and I want to change this in my work.” 

Saher Merchant
Audience Development Director
The Dallas Morning News
United States

About Saher: Since joining The Dallas Morning News five years ago, Saher Merchant has established herself as an innovator who possesses the vision and drive needed for success. She has built and mentored a high-performing team, focusing on key areas such as retention, lead generation, newsletter engagement, and audience growth. When the company wanted to increase member engagement, she established a prescriptive e-mail marketing curriculum that incorporates personalisation. One of her greatest strengths is her leadership style, which revolves around fostering a collaborative environment and actively listening to all participants. She remains open to new ideas and concepts and remains composed, calm, and confident even in stressful situations, which has further inspired trust and respect among her colleagues. Saher is a proactive problem solver and a great decision-maker, leveraging data analytics to optimise content distribution and enhance the user experience. She has also shown incredible adaptability and resilience in navigating the rapidly evolving industry, which has contributed to her abilities as a standout leader and made her one to watch for the future.

Kinya Nina
Author/Radio Host
Sound Mental Health
Kenya

About Kinya: Kinya Nina sees the potential of the media to raise awareness about mental health challenges. Her initiative, Sound Mental Health, is a youth-led forum designed to raise awareness about mental health among students, young people, and communities. As an author and radio host, she uses a variety of formats including Webinars, health talks, and partnerships with licensed psychotherapists to provide a platform for individuals to access vital information and support for their mental well-being. She has successfully built a strong brand centred around mental health advocacy and said its success lies “in its ability to engage diverse audiences, break stigmas surrounding mental health, and empower individuals to prioritise their psychological wellness.” Kinya’s proactive approach in recognising and addressing mental health issues in the evolving digital communication landscape has had a positive impact on audiences. Incorporating mental health content into her radio and TV appearances is essential for starting conversations, she said: “My overarching goal is to leverage my platform and expertise to drive widespread awareness, education, and destigmatisation of mental health issues across diverse communities.”

Anastasiia Rudenko
CEO/Editor-in-Chief/Media Manager
Rubryka, Recover Window Media Network, Eastern Variant
Ukraine

About Anastasiia: Anastasiia Rudenko was just 22 when she founded Rubryka, Ukraine’s first solutions journalism media outlet. Since then, Rubryka has gained international recognition for its innovative reporting style and, under her leadership, it became part of the first European newsrooms cohort engaged in solutions journalism in 2022 and joined the SoJo Europe cohort in 2024. Today, Anastasiia leads three media teams totaling more than 60 individuals and is recognised as a leader in solutions journalism. She became the first Ukrainian LEDE fellow of the Solutions Journalism Network in 2023 and is an accredited trainer in solutions journalism. Anastasiia’s dedication to regional journalism is evident in her revival of Eastern Variant, an independent media outlet, and last year she launched the Recovery Window Media Network, uniting over 80 media and NGOs to support Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts. This initiative aims to enhance the capacity of Ukrainian media to foster a transparent and inclusive recovery process. Anastasiia is a young, innovative leader who can inspire her team, drive meaningful projects, and foster hope even in the most challenging environments.

Eden Benibo
Founder/Editorial Director
Hello Icon Magazine
Nigeria

About Eden: Eden Benibo had empty pockets and a big dream when she founded Hello Icon Magazine in 2021. Thanks to her perseverance, the digital media platform — which uses art to “empower and create connections” amongst a diverse population of users — has grown its community to more than 20,000 users. As the company’s editorial director, she leads a team of more than 20 young journalists and creatives in Africa, Europe, North America, and Asia. Under her direction, they have produced dozens of documentaries to give a voice to underserved creatives around the world. The desire to create online connections for other creatives grew from Eden’s own experiences of racial discrimination and cyberbullying. She previously led a mental health campaign when Nigeria experienced a wave of suicides among young creatives in 2019, and that helped focus her vision for Hello Icon. She is passionate about leveraging digital tools for advocacy and storytelling particularly as it relates to the struggles of the creative industry, especially for women and young people: “We have built a space [that] creatives call home.”

Aaron Dahmen
Senior Journalist/Producer
Stuff
New Zealand

About Aaron: As a young boy, Aaron Dahmen would stand in front of a mirror and pretend to be a news reporter. “Since I was a child, I found purpose in the telling of meaningful and impactful stories,” he said. While his first love is reporting, he also is honing his leadership skills and looks forward to the role he will play in the media world of the future. Already, Aaron has been recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading broadcast journalists and up-and-coming media leaders. At 23, he was appointed the youngest chief political reporter in the history of Newstalk ZB, the country’s leading commercial radio station, and was named reporter of the year at the prestigious New Zealand Radio Awards just two years later. Since 2023, Aaron has served in a senior role at Stuff, New Zealand’s leading news site, specialising in building, producing, and hosting innovative and market-leading current affairs content. Aaron has regularly appeared as a correspondent for the world’s biggest news networks, including the BBC, MSNBC, and ABC, and has won numerous individual and team honours at the New Zealand Radio Awards and Voyager New Zealand Media Awards.

Kathleen Farmilo
Social Media Producer
SBS News
Australia

About Kathleen: Kathleen Farmilo’s career has been shaped by high-stakes news events. While attending the University of Oxford, she interned at the New Statesman during the pivotal post-Brexit negotiations. Then, while earning her master’s degree, she navigated the challenges of reporting during a global pandemic. In her current role as social media producer at SBS News, she pitches stories to the social team and the newsroom, transforming Web site articles into engaging social media posts. “I look for editorial opportunities other newsrooms may be missing, pitching stories to the team with our social audience in mind,” she said. After contracting COVID-19 a third time, her story on why people are reinfected attracted more than 386,000 views and established SBS as a leader in COVID-19 coverage. “Kathleen consistently seeks new challenges and helps to build a culture of happy chaos in the best way possible,” said Cathryn Boyes, SBS News social lead. “Kath is always finding new ways to make her day job more interesting and introduced crucial elements to our success with young people on social media.”

Ryo Namiki
Journalist
Nikkei
Japan

About Ryo: Ryo Namiki credits a natural disaster with shaping his journalism career. “My career path was shaped by my personal experience during the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, which deeply affected my family,” said Ryo, a journalist at Nikkei. After studying computational geoscience at university and graduate school, Ryo entered the media industry, where he has focused on disaster reporting, international reporting based on open-source intelligence, and coverage of generative AI. Ryo’s unique skillset — which includes a background in engineering and design — coupled with his academic background allow him to bring a valuable perspective to his work. And Ryo is eager to help shepherd new talent into the field of data journalism; he is keen to establish Nikkei’s investigative journalism team as “the best intelligence team in East Asia.” As Japan is surrounded by the authoritarian states of China, North Korea, and Russia, he sees the urgency in developing reporters who can use open-source intelligence to report on developments and uncover disinformation campaigns. “It is essential to develop and scale our data journalism efforts. I aim to establish Nikkei as an indispensable source of information in the region.”

 Mohammad Abdullah Al Noman
Editor-in-Chief/CEO
Gaznobay
Bangladesh

About Mohammad: Starting as an intern-content writer at Torun Digital in July 2020, Mohammad Abdullah Al Noman has consistently shown a knack for creative thinking paired with innate leadership skills. He was still working at another media company when he founded Gaznobay, a global business magazine, where he is now editor-in-chief and CEO. Recognising the change in media consumption habits, he implemented a massive cross-platform digital content strategy that has attracted a younger and more diverse audience. Mohammad’s strategic vision led to successful projects with Bridge for Billions, a global social enterprise supporting early-stage entrepreneurs, and he continues harnessing cutting-edge technologies to connect with audiences. With operations now in Dhaka and Chattogram, Mohammad plans to expand to Europe, America, India, and the Middle East within five years. However, this growth is about more than just expanding operations; he also wants to improve the media industry overall: “Ultimately, my vision is to contribute to a more informed, connected, and equitable society by advancing the standards and practices of the news media industry.”

Madison Flanders
Senior Project Manager
The New York Times
United States

About Madison: As senior project manager at the New York Times, Madison Flanders specialises in mobile app development and new product launches. Although she is early in her career, her impressive track record already includes key roles in high-profile projects including the launch of Disney+ and key projects at The Times. Madison successfully managed the launch of NYT Audio, a product that reaches millions of subscribers. One of her major accomplishments within the past year was leading the launch of the Listen Tab within the core news app, which was a significant strategic initiative for 2024. This was part of the effort to expand The Times’ audio offerings and diversify its revenue streams, and it is credited with significantly increasing user engagement and retention. She also established the Android mobile team from scratch. “The industry must adapt to evolving consumer behaviour,” she noted. “Younger generations are increasingly turning to social media and online platforms for news, highlighting the need for media companies to embrace digital innovation and deliver content in formats that resonate with these audiences.”

Mikko Kivistö
Software Developer
Helsingin Sanomat
Finland

About Mikko: As a software developer at Helsingin Sanomat, Finland’s largest daily newspaper, Mikko Kivistö has been a key contributor to the digital services covering national elections. His approach has provided readers with comprehensive and interactive election coverage, enhancing their understanding and engagement. One of Mikko’s standout achievements is the creation of a hugely popular word game for Helsingin Sanomat. This game has not only captivated readers but also significantly increased subscription retention, showcasing Mikko’s ability to blend journalism with technology to drive tangible results. His work is a compelling example of how data-driven insights can be leveraged to create engaging content that resonates with audiences. Mikko combines an ability to innovate and deliver impactful solutions with a deep understanding of journalism and technology, which together allow him to develop or improve products and provide visible results to his organisation.

Catarina Mexia
Product Manager
Público
Portugal

About Catarina: Entering the news media world was a leap of faith for Catarina Mexia, whose career had previously included roles in social media agencies. When the opportunity to join Público arose, Catarina embraced it wholeheartedly, despite the unknowns: “I have learned new functions and working techniques every day,” she said. “The product manager position has taught me to look at the consumer and how we can improve usability and satisfaction with the product every day.” Catarina’s view of the consumer journey has been pivotal in enhancing the subscription experience at Público. Recognising that publishers rely on subscriptions and support, she has made subscriber satisfaction her priority. Catarina’s strategies aim to make subscribers feel part of a vital community for national journalism, highlighting the numerous benefits beyond just access to articles. She implemented a system to organise customer support and also spearheaded the creation of a chatbot, which, despite initial user preference for human agents, has shown promising results in resolving queries. Her ability to recognise new opportunities and implement solutions continues driving improvements in subscriber engagement and retention.

Lea Nowack
PM Content Development
Tamedia
Switzerland

About Lea: Although she launched her career at Tamedia as a project manager and agency manager, Lea Nowack rapidly established herself as being much more, proving to be an invaluable asset for the editorial teams. She quickly elevated herself beyond the expected administrative duties and soon was helping editors create compelling content and distribution strategies — then worked to develop workflows tailored to those strategies. Her vision and creativity have made Lea indispensable on major editorial projects, and stakeholders know they can rely upon her to ensure that everything is delivered as promised. From ensuring the content is delivered to audiences when and where it needs to be to providing seamless operations in subscription promotions and traditional advertising, she is dependable and innovative in her contributions to the company. As she continues growing in her career, Lea’s natural leadership skills and intuitive interpersonal dynamics, paired with her strategic and operational expertise, have positioned her for a bright future in the news media industry.

Ben Rubinsztein
Product Manager/Web
The Telegraph
United Kingdom

About Ben: Over the past two years, Ben Rubinsztein has introduced new ideas that have revitalised the role of product at The Telegraph. As the head of the product function for the Web site, Ben manages and defines the product roadmap, working closely with stakeholders to prioritise and deliver key features. His ability to build strong relationships across product, editorial, and engineering departments has driven the Web site’s evolution. Among his key accomplishments are leading the successful launch of the Telegraph Money channel, which subsequently informed the rollout of the Telegraph Health channel. These initiatives have significantly enhanced the Web site’s offerings, something due in part to Ben’s hard work and strategic vision. Ben’s leadership skills are evident in his ability to guide diverse teams and make strategic decisions. He has earned a reputation for taking an innovative approach, introducing new ideas and impressive critical thinking skills. Despite this being his first role in the media industry, Ben has quickly developed in-depth industry knowledge and shows adaptability and resilience within a rapidly changing environment.

Evangeline Braithwaite
Performance Marketing Executive
Financial Times
United Kingdom

About Evangeline: Evangeline (Evie) Braithwaite has made significant strides in the news media industry since joining the Financial Times’ (FT) performance marketing team in 2023. With a strong foundation in publishing from her previous role at the Guardian, Evie has excelled in driving new subscriber acquisitions through innovative paid media campaigns. Evie elevated the FT’s creative standards, demonstrating agility in thinking across products and audiences while maintaining a commercial mindset. She has been instrumental in establishing influencer campaigns as a vital channel in the FT’s media mix, and her collaboration with multiple stakeholders has amplified campaigns beyond their original scope, showcasing her ability to enhance and differentiate marketing strategies. In her first year at the FT, Evie led several successful campaigns, including the launch of the FT Edit hub in paid media. Her proactive approach to industry changes drives her to experiment with new platforms like Reddit and TikTok, helping reach new audiences. Her creative and strategic mindset, coupled with her forward-thinking approach, have made her a standout not only in her company but in the industry.

Caleb Davidson
Marketing Manager/Growth Team
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
United States

About Caleb: Starting as a contractor managing the outside sales programs at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) four years ago, Caleb Davidson has advanced quickly within the company. Now, as marketing manager on the growth marketing team, his data-driven decisions are consistently driving cost-efficient subscription sales. One of Caleb’s notable achievements is his success in e-mail marketing, where he surpassed ambitious goals by securing 3,141 new subscriptions — 12% above the target. His collaborative efforts were also instrumental in launching the award-winning documentary “The South’s Got Something to Say,” but his greatest accomplishment lies in his sports partnerships initiative. His collaboration with the Atlanta Falcons included a successful ticket giveaway campaign that resulted in acquiring 18,774 new e-mail addresses, with 11,153 individuals opting in for the Sports Daily newsletter. Additionally, he launched a new partnership with the Atlanta Dream, celebrating Black culture and expanding AJC’s audience. Under his leadership, AJC also implemented a new project management system that significantly enhanced efficiency and productivity, while his ability to foster collaboration and navigate change continue being pivotal to the organisation’s growth and success.

Adam Frank
Senior Specialist/Lifecycle Marketing
The Washington Post
United States

About Adam: Adam Frank got his start in political fundraising, but today he uses his data-driven strategies to prevent subscriber churn at The Washington Post. He implemented changes that increased e-mail click rates by 30% YoY, and Adam also has collaborated with the product and engineering teams to develop innovative marketing tools with an emphasis on automation and personalised messaging. Adam’s efforts earned him the subscription marketing team’s Quarterly Value award and recognition at INMA’s 2024 Global Media Awards. His standout initiative was coordinating the 2023 promotional campaign for Newsprint, The Post’s personalised year-end recap experience. This campaign, which included custom videos from journalists, significantly boosted reader engagement and won Best Idea to Encourage Reader Engagement at the INMA awards. Next, Adam looks forward to taking on more leadership responsibility and doing more with AI: “I want to explore how AI and related technologies can be leveraged in marketing to further automate consumer messages across channels [and] expand our analytical capabilities. I want to drive actionable insights that meaningfully increase the engagement of our entire consumer base.”

Ana Mendonça
Political Columnist
Estado de Minas
Brazil

About Ana: As a journalist and columnist for Brazil’s Estado de Minas, Ana Mendonça has made a name for herself in political journalism in Minas Gerais. Beginning her career as an intern in 2018, Ana soon became a political reporter, then became the youngest political columnist in the state’s history. Ana’s column, “EM Minas,” connects with younger audiences by presenting complex political issues in an accessible and engaging manner. Her approach often includes comparisons to popular culture, making politics relatable to a demographic typically disinterested in traditional media. This strategy has broadened her readership and fostered greater political awareness among young people. Her work has also successfully bridged the gap between local politics and a wider audience, attracting readers who typically are disengaged from political discourse. She is combating misinformation and brings critical legislative issues to the forefront in a clear, accessible way. Ana’s commitment to demystifying politics and empowering the public with reliable information has cemented her reputation as a leading figure in local journalism, building trust and engagement with a growing audience.

Jeevanand Sumesh
Growth Product Analyst
The Hindu
India

About Jeevanand: While still an intern for the digital subscriptions team at The Hindu, Jeevanand Sumesh focused on enhancing the “free trial to subscription” conversion rate. His efforts in revamping the free trial onboarding process were so successful that it led to a full-time position upon his graduation. Today, as growth product analyst, Jeevanand works on renewal journeys and retention experiments which have significantly increased the company’s retention rate from 20% to 48% in just five months. For one project, “The Hindu Digital’s Free Trial Gamification Onboarding Journey,” Jeevanand leveraged loss aversion theory and encouraged early subscriptions for free trial users. The programme was a success and earned an honourable mention at the INMA Global Media Awards 2024 for Best New Subscriber Onboarding Experience. Jeevanand also revamped the offsite Subscriber Onboarding Flow, improving e-mail open rates by 21% and click-through rates by 23%. His holistic understanding of the subscriber lifecycle from acquisition to engagement, his dedication to fostering a vibrant, informed society, and his innovative approach to subscriber engagement have made significant contributions to The Hindu’s success.