Eales takes president's spot at International News Media Association

Damian Eales

News Corp Australia’s chief operating officer for publishing and former CMO, Damian Eales, has been elected president of the International News Media Association (INMA).

Eales has sat on the INMA board for the past five years and served as its VP for the past two years. He’s being joined on the board by Nine’s MD of publisher, Chris Janz. Both are also members of the NewsMediaWorks, with Eales holding a board position.

In a statement, Eales said he was honoured to be taking up the position at such a time of change for the news media industry globally. The appointment was announced at last week’s INMA World Congress in New York.

INMA has more than 700 news media members across 70 countries and was established nearly 90 years ago. Eales replaces former president, Eduardo Garces, gerente general at El Espectador/Communican SA in Colombia.

“The best news media businesses have weathered the storm of digital disruption and are now exploiting digital capabilities to power growth, engagement and grow new capabilities,” Eales commented. “It’s a real honour to be elected to this role at an inflexion point in the prospects for news around the world.

“The great thing about INMA is its character. Our international publisher members are universally willing to share best practice towards collective success.”

NewsMediaWorks CEO, Peter Miller, supported Eales’ appointment, adding the local organisation is continually looking to the INMA’s ideas, initiatives and professional network.

“It’s great that INMA will now be helmed by Damian, who is an enthusiast and a sharp strategic thinker,” he said.

Eales was promoted to COO of publishing at News Corp two years ago. Joining in 2013, he initially led strategic partnerships before becoming chief marketing officer. From there, Eales became MD of metros and regional media, before making the leap to his current role.

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