National Geographic’s Yulia Petrossian Boyle appointed as FIPP Chair
The Walt Disney Company/National Geographic Partners Vice President for International Media, Image Collection and Content Operations, Yulia Petrossian Boyle, has been appointed as the new Chair of FIPP. Boyle takes over from Carlo Mandelli, Managing Director of Mondadori Media S.p.A., who has completed his two year tenure in the position.
Renewed focus on inclusivity
The National Geographic Executive’s appointment represents the first time in FIPP’s near 100 year history that a female Chair has been named in the role, and Boyle will make industry inclusivity one of her key objectives:
“I would like to continue partnering with James [Hewes] and our Board in expanding and diversifying our members,” she said. “Particularly important within this, is that we increase the inclusivity of the FIPP Board itself, by adding more people into lead board positions from members of diverse and marginalised communities. By increasing representation in this way, as well as through growing visibility more broadly through our high-profile events and initiatives, we can lead the charge in furthering diversity and inclusion at a global level within our industry.”
James Hewes, President & CEO for FIPP, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Yulia to the role of FIPP Chair. She has been an energetic and enthusiastic supporter of FIPP for many years and is a valued colleague on the FIPP Board. I look forward to working with her as we continue to deliver on FIPP’s mission and to support the industry’s efforts to improve diversity and inclusion.”
“I’d also like to extend my thanks to Carlo Mandelli, the outgoing FIPP Chair. His time at the helm has coincided with one of the most challenging periods the world has faced, and it’s not been an easy task. I will miss his unstinting support and wise counsel. On behalf of myself, the FIPP team and everyone on the FIPP Board, I’d like to thank him for his service.”
Promoting wider innovation
In addition to inclusivity, Boyle also brings a strong focus on innovation to the industry. Her current responsibilities include strategy of global business development activities across National Geographic Media within Walt Disney Company’s Disney Media and Entertainment Division (DMED), with priorities on diversity of content and innovation in content formats and delivery platforms.
“I would love to continue helping FIPP members expand their IP not only across platforms, but also across virtual worlds to Metaverse and beyond. There are exciting opportunities for media companies across new and emerging areas like NFTs, and of course it is also hugely important that as we move forward into these brave new worlds, IP is protected for our members.”
You can find out more about FIPP, its members, and some of the organisation’s key initiatives here.
