Mark Grant named VP of global security and safety

Each day, AP journalists and staff around the world face risks in doing their jobs, both in the field and online. So there is nothing more important than ensuring we are providing you with the support you need to stay safe amid these ever-evolving threats. That’s why I’m very pleased to announce that Mark Grant will be joining the AP later this year as our vice president for global security and safety. Mark will be based in London and report to me, as we work toward putting security at the heart of our decision-making in News, from story planning to publication. Mark will oversee AP’s global security staff and the SAFE program for combatting online harassment, and will also work closely with colleagues across the AP, including in Human Resources, Legal and Technology.

Mark brings deep experience to this role, and a passion for the mission of keeping journalists safe. He’s spent the last decade developing safety and security programs that enable journalists to cover breaking news stories in high-risk environments, most recently at Sky News, where he’s served as head of high risk, safety and security. While at Sky, Mark has worked closely with teams on the ground in Ukraine, Afghanistan and other hot spots. He’s also taken the view that security extends beyond physical threats, ensuring that journalists have the resources they need to protect themselves against online harassment and cyber threats. Prior to joining Sky, Mark supported and managed risk, safety and security for the BBC, CNN and Netflix. Earlier in his career, Mark spent six years in the Royal Marines, with tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, and then worked in corporate and NGO security across the Middle East, Asia and Africa. He holds a master’s degree in risk management and a doctorate in security risk management, with a specific focus on journalism security and risk mitigation strategies when operating in areas of conflict. He recently joined the board of the International News Safety Institute (INSI), an organization we work closely with at AP. Mark will officially join AP in September after wrapping up work at Sky. Please join me in congratulating him and welcoming him to the AP.