EBU Names New Moscow Head

The European Broadcasting Union has appointed a new Head for its Moscow division.

Kate de Pury will join the organisation in September, bringing with her extensive international experience as a journalist and news editor for places like Associated Press (AP) and Reuters in Russia.

De Pury is a member of the Rory Peck Trust advisory committee which supports freelance journalists worldwide and has designed and launched a new online MA in Digital Journalism at Falmouth University in the UK.

A dedicated 'Russianist', she speaks fluent Russian, as well as English and French, and has thorough knowledge of the region and its history.

Commenting on her appointment, De Pury said: "I'm delighted to join the EBU, an organisation in the heart of Europe working to support international public service media. Russia is a fantastic and very important global story – but it's often not an easy story – and it's crucial that we support the excellent journalism being done by our Members there. I've spent many years living and working in Moscow and I've seen recent history unfold, from the crazy 90s euphoria to the much more complex issues facing Russia in the 21st century. I hope that my long and deep experience in building relationships with Russian partners across government and all parts of the media - will help me deliver real impact in this new role." 

Liz Corbin, Head of News, EBU, added: "This was a very competitive recruitment process and I'm delighted that we have appointed Kate to this pivotal role for our news operation. Her knowledge of the global news industry, particularly as it is experienced in Russia, were key factors in her appointment. I also want to pay tribute to Dirk Verhulst, who has managed EBU Moscow for 30 years. The country has seen incredible change in that time and Dirk has consistently helped our Members to cover every moment. He will be greatly missed."

De Pury succeeds Dirk Verhulst, who has managed the EBU Moscow office since 1991.

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