Daisy Veerasingham’s journey is a radiant beacon of perseverance, trailblazing courage, and the quiet power of rising through dedication and vision. Born in August 1969 in London as a first-generation British national of Sri Lankan (Tamil) descent, she grew up in a world where her heritage and background could have limited horizons—but instead, they fueled her unyielding drive to break barriers and redefine what’s possible.
With a degree in law already in hand, Daisy could have chosen a conventional path. Yet her passion pulled her into the dynamic world of media and business. She began her career in sales and marketing roles at the prestigious Financial Times, then honed her expertise as group sales and marketing director at LexisNexis—building a foundation of global insight, strategic thinking, and revenue innovation that would soon propel her forward.
In 2004, she joined The Associated Press (AP)—the legendary 175-year-old (now nearing 180-year) news cooperative—as sales director for AP Television News in London. What followed was a remarkable ascent built on merit, resilience, and bold leadership: promotions to vice president of sales across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Australia; senior vice president and chief revenue officer in 2019, where she diversified the customer base, grew international revenue dramatically (now 40% of total, double from 15 years prior), and transformed the video business; then executive vice president and chief operating officer in early 2021, overseeing news, business, and technology operations worldwide—even steering the organization through the unprecedented challenges of the global pandemic.
In August 2021, history was made: the AP board named Daisy its next president and CEO, effective January 2022. She became the 14th leader in the organization’s storied history—and the first woman, first person of color, and first international (non-U.S.) citizen to hold the role. At 51, this milestone wasn’t just personal triumph; it symbolized progress for underrepresented voices in media leadership, proving that talent, hard work, and inclusive vision can shatter glass ceilings on a global stage.
Under her stewardship, the AP has continued to thrive as an indispensable source of factual, impartial journalism in an era of misinformation and rapid change. Daisy has emphasized the enduring value of “just the facts”—delivering reliable reporting that empowers people worldwide to form their own informed views. Her leadership has focused on innovation, diversification, and strengthening the cooperative’s role in a digital-first world, ensuring AP remains a trusted pillar for thousands of news outlets and audiences everywhere.
Daisy’s story inspires because it reminds us that greatness often emerges from steady, purposeful steps rather than overnight leaps. From her London roots to the helm of one of the world’s most respected news organizations, she has shown that heritage is strength, diversity is power, and unwavering commitment to excellence can open doors once thought closed. She lives with her family in New York City, balancing high-stakes leadership with personal life, always grounded and forward-looking.
Daisy Veerasingham’s rise teaches us: Your background doesn’t define your ceiling—it can become the foundation for lifting others higher. With integrity, resilience, and a belief in the power of truth, she hasn’t just broken barriers—she’s built bridges for the next generation. Dream boldly, work relentlessly, embrace your unique perspective, and lead with purpose. The world needs more leaders like Daisy—visionaries who prove that when one person rises authentically, entire communities and industries rise with them.
The Associated Press (AP)’s story is an awe-inspiring chronicle of ingenuity, unbreakable commitment to truth, and the enduring power of collective journalism to illuminate the world. Founded on May 22, 1846, in New York City, the AP began as a bold, collaborative spark: five daily newspapers pooled their resources to fund a pony express relay through Alabama, racing news of the Mexican-American War north faster than the U.S. Post Office could deliver it. This simple act of cooperation birthed the first national-scale private news organization in the U.S.—a not-for-profit cooperative that would forever change how information flows across continents.
What started as a cost-sharing venture among rival papers evolved into a revolutionary force for impartial, fact-based reporting. By pooling efforts, the AP shattered monopolies on news, ensured speed and accuracy, and pioneered nonpartisan journalism in an era of biased outlets—delivering “dry matters of fact and detail” to Democratic and Republican papers alike. Over nearly 180 years, the AP has been the first to break many of history’s defining moments: the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the death of Pope John Paul II, and countless others that shaped global understanding.
Through wars, crises, triumphs, and everyday human stories, the AP has operated in nearly 250 locations across almost 100 countries, producing 400,000 stories, 80,000 videos, and 1.2 million photos annually. Its journalists risk everything to deliver reliable facts amid chaos, earning 59 Pulitzer Prizes (including 36 for photography) and building the world’s most trusted archive—millions of images dating back to 1826, audio clips, and graphics that preserve truth for generations. The iconic AP Stylebook guides clear, consistent writing worldwide, while AP polls, election results, and sports coverage inform public discourse and decisions.
In February 2026, under the visionary leadership of President and CEO Daisy Veerasingham—the first woman, first person of color, and first non-U.S. citizen to helm the organization since her appointment in 2022—the AP continues to thrive in a fast-changing media landscape. Veerasingham has driven revenue growth, international diversification (now 40% of total revenue), innovative video platforms, and a steadfast focus on “advancing the power of facts” in an age of misinformation. Reaching four billion people daily through members, subscribers, and digital channels, the AP remains an essential, independent pillar—neither privately owned nor government-funded, but owned by its 1,400+ U.S. newspaper and broadcaster members—dedicated solely to factual, unbiased reporting.
The AP’s journey inspires because it proves that when people unite for a higher purpose—truth, speed, fairness—the impossible becomes routine. From a makeshift pony express to a global network powering journalism in the digital and AI era, the organization has adapted relentlessly while staying true to its core: facts matter, impartiality endures, and collective effort amplifies impact. It reminds us that journalism isn’t just a business—it’s a public service that empowers informed citizens, holds power accountable, and connects humanity across divides.
The Associated Press isn’t just covering history—it’s helping write a better-informed future. In every dispatch, photo, and video, it carries the torch of curiosity, courage, and integrity forward. The world is better because the AP exists: a living testament that when we commit to truth together, we can illuminate even the darkest times and inspire generations to seek, share, and stand for facts. Keep believing in the power of accurate information—because when facts win, hope and progress win too.
The Associated Press stands as a symbol of journalistic excellence, connecting people worldwide through trustworthy information and fostering a more informed and engaged global community.
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