SCMP names Tammy Tam as publisher in structural revamp; CEO Catherine So to depart

Hong Kong – Alibaba-backed South China Morning Post (SCMP) is reshaping its leadership structure, appointing editor-in-chief Tammy Tam as publisher in a newly created role while CEO Catherine So departs after 3½ years.

The leadership changes were announced by board chairman Joe Tsai on Monday. Under the new structure, Tam — a 14-year veteran of the Post — becomes its first publisher, overseeing both editorial and business operations at Hong Kong’s English-language newspaper of record.

Following Tam’s appointment, executive editor Chow Chung-yan, who currently oversees daily newsroom operations, will be promoted to editor-in-chief, succeeding her as head of the newsroom.

In announcing the appointments, Tsai said he had full confidence in the new leadership team and emphasised the importance of maintaining editorial independence and excellence while ensuring “full alignment between the core news product and business.”

Commenting on her appointment, Tam said she was honoured to take up her new responsibilities and looked forward to leading the Post “to the next level with everyone’s help.”

“Editorial independence and excellence can go hand in hand with sound business strategy and development for our longer-term sustainability and success,” she said. “While the media industry continues to face many challenges, I’m optimistic about the Post’s future with Alibaba’s full support and trust.”

Tsai also confirmed the departure of CEO Catherine So, who led the company for 3½ years, overseeing its growth while navigating challenges in the media landscape.

He thanked So for her leadership, noting her role during a critical period of transformation. So said it had been “a privilege and an honour” to lead the Post and that she now looks forward to pursuing professional studies overseas.

In an email to staff, Tsai underscored the central role of journalists and editors in the Post’s success. “For the Post, our core product emanates from the newsroom, and therefore our journalists and editors are central to the commercial success and financial stability of our organisation. This means that our editors will play an important role in the commercial success of the newspaper,” he wrote.

Tsai added that aligning editorial and business strategies would be key to ensuring the Post’s commercial viability and financial sustainability, pledging Alibaba’s full resources and long-term commitment to achieving this goal.