CNN Digital names new APAC director based out of HK

CNN Digital Worldwide has named Steve George to director of CNN Digital for the Asia Pacific region, based in Hong Kong. He is responsible for digital content, strategy and publishing and leads a team of digital producers, reporters and editors across APAC.

Prior to this role, George was a senior news editor for CNN Digital. He spearheaded CNN’s digital coverage of major breaking news events in Asia Pacific, and was the founding editor of CNN’s China newsletter, a three-times-a-week analysis of Chinese society, politics and foreign policy for a global readership.

“George is an outstanding, trusted and thoughtful journalist and leader,” said SVP & editor-in-chief of CNN Digital Worldwide, Meredith Artley. “I’m joined by the team in Hong Kong and CNN staff around the world in being thrilled that he is taking on this leadership role at this critical time.”

Before joining CNN in 2016, George spent eight years in Beijing as a magazine editor, covering news and social affairs across the greater China region.

Last year, CNN International made four new editorial hires at its APAC headquarters in Hong Kong, including two directors of coverage. 

Sarita Harilela was appointed as director of coverage. She is responsible for news coverage from the APAC region and leading the network’s global coverage for key parts of the day. She has been with CNN International for 17 years, most recently as executive producer based in Hong Kong. In this position, she was responsible for feature shows and programming. Harilela has been involved in all major news stories from the APAC region over the last decade including the pandemic, the Hong Kong protests, Typhoon Haiyan and the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami.

Nicola Careem was also been appointed as director of coverage. She joined CNN after 19 years with the BBC covering conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Afghanistan. She was most recently the South Asia bureau chief based in New Delhi, overseeing a team of journalists working across digital, television and radio.

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