AP to begin executive editor search with Sally Buzbee departure
NEW YORK – The Associated Press announced today it will begin a search for a new executive editor.
Senior Vice President and Executive Editor Sally Buzbee will leave AP at the end of May to become executive editor and vice president of The Washington Post.
As AP’s top editor, Buzbee has directed AP’s global news report throughout the Trump administration, the #MeToo movement, Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, protests over racial injustice and the 2020 U.S. election.
“This is bittersweet news for the AP. Sally has been an exceptional leader, guiding AP’s journalists and news report through some of the most pivotal news events of our time,” said AP President and CEO Gary Pruitt. “We are sorry to lose Sally but very happy for her as she takes this next step in her career. We look forward to watching Sally succeed at the Post.”
Pruitt added: “The executive editor job at AP is one of the outstanding jobs in journalism. We expect many talented internal and external candidates to apply to lead AP’s news operations and coverage around the world.”
“The journalists of the AP are some of the world’s best people – bold, brave and utterly committed to the facts,” said Buzbee. “Each day they tell the world’s stories with accuracy, precision and flair, and the world depends on AP for that solid information. It has been a huge honor and joy to work with them.”
Buzbee has served as AP’s executive editor since January 2017, overseeing news operations and content in all formats from AP journalists based in nearly 250 locations in 100 countries.
The search for Buzbee’s replacement is expected to take a few months.
Until a selection is made, the executive editor duties will be shared. AP Vice President and Managing Editor Brian Carovillano will lead AP’s news report; AP Vice President and Managing Editor for Operations David Scott will handle news operations.