Radio Africa on Friday named veteran journalist Paul Ilado as its new Group Editorial Director.
His appointment was announced by Radio Africa’s Chief Executive Martin Khafafa during the farewell party of former Convergence Director William Pike, who had a say in his replacement before exiting. Pike retires from Radio Africa after 17 years with the media stable.
“Allow me to announce that Paul Ilado will be the Group Editorial Director. This appointment was made in consultation with Pike,” Khafafa said.
Ilado who joined the group as a reporter rose through the ranks steadily and now finds himself steering one of Kenya’s most storied media organisations.
William Pike during a past meeting with his staff. PHOTO/ Oliver Mathenge.
Ilado rose from an intern to a reporter to a Political Editor and is now Radio Africa’s Group Editorial Director.
In his retirement speech, Pike expressed his sadness at leaving the group but confirmed his availability to offer advice to the new leadership. He also remains a shareholder in the group.
“But I will continue to see you as I will be in and out of the office since I remain a shareholder in Radio Africa. I also remain available to provide advice any time,” he said.
William Pike was the brains behind one of the biggest newspapers in the nation, The Star.
“This is a sad day for me. I have loved working with you since 2007 as we have built the Star into a well-recognized newspaper and one of the biggest news websites in Kenya”, Pike said during his farewell party.
Ilado is a respected journalist and media practitioner and holds a Bachelors Degree in Communications and a Masters in Strategic Communications from the University of Nairobi (UoN).
Ilado’s expertise has also been tapped by bodies such as Kenya’s Editors Guild and the Presidential Debates team. He now finds himself with the added responsibility of steering Radio Africa’s diverse array of products ranging from radio, digital and newspaper.
This comes after the Radio Africa Group in July made changes in its leadership. Martin Khafafa was named CEO after Founder and CEO Patrick Quarcoo retired from the group after 24 years of service. Khafafa was serving as the Group’s Chief Operating Officer before.
Paul Ilado(left) with outgoing Radio Africa Editorial Director William Pike, October 1 2024.
Photo
Paul Ilado
