Media Defence has announced Alinda Vermeer as its new Chief Executive Officer. Alinda has worked with Media Defence since 2014, including as Acting CEO.
Alinda has a background in litigation. She has represented journalists, citizen journalists and independent media in regional courts and before international bodies. As Acting CEO, Alinda has successfully led the organisation through a challenging 2020, moving Media Defence’s activities online in order to continue protecting press freedom at a time when journalism came under renewed attack around the world.
Media Defence’s chair of the board of trustees Sarah Bull said of Alinda’s appointment:
“The Board is delighted to appoint Alinda as our new CEO. Alinda has demonstrated her profound commitment to protecting press freedom and throughout 2020 the Media Defence team carried out impressive work under her leadership. We look forward to working alongside Alinda and the Media Defence team to grow the organisation’s capabilities, to deliver against the organisation’s strategy and to protect journalists under threat.”
Press freedom is in crisis. As part of its 2020 – 2024 strategy, Media Defence is enhancing the availability and quality of legal defence for journalists around the world as well as the coordination of strategic litigation on media freedom and freedom of expression. As Acting CEO, Alinda has laid the groundwork for delivery on the organisational strategy. In the coming years, Alinda will continue to grow Media Defence’s income and expand its support around the world.
Alinda said:
“I am honoured to be taking up the role of CEO at Media Defence. There is an urgent need to ensure more journalists have access to high quality legal representation free of charge. I look forward to continuing working with our dedicated team and Board of Trustees to deliver this essential support at a time of unprecedented need.”
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