The Associated Press announced today that Markus Ickstadt has been appointed to the board of Associated Press Germany GbmH where he will serve as its managing director, effective immediately. Ickstadt will also retain his role as sales director for AP’s wider business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
In his new role, Ickstadt will lead AP’s business in Europe’s largest media market. Together with APs existing German team, he will work to strengthen AP’s cooperation with Germany’s broadcasters and the partnership with the German domestic news agency, dapd.
Ickstadt joined AP in 1997 and has held various commercial roles in London. Prior to AP, Ickstadt spent five years as a journalist in Berlin for various German broadcasters, including the global Deutsche Welle TV.
Commenting on his appointment, Ickstadt said: Germany has always been, and remains, one of our key markets. I am delighted to be able to work with our outstanding team to further strengthen AP’s presence in the country in which I was born and raised. Germany is a sophisticated and fascinating news media market — AP has been working there for more than 80 years, and together with our partners, we look forward to a bright future and continued success there.
APs vice president commercial for EMEA and Asia, Andrew Shaw, said: Markus has played a key role in developing APs German business for over a decade during which time he has built solid relationships with our many customers and partners. His appointment demonstrates APs commitment to the German market, and belief in its potential for further growth.
Ickstadt replaces Nigel Baker as managing director of Associated Press Germany GmbH who had held the role since 2009. Baker leaves the AP to join the Thomson Media Foundation as chief executive.