A journalist who later moved into commercial and management roles with the UK’s national news agency has become its first female chief executive in its 155-year history.

PA Media has appointed Emily Shelley as its new chief executive, 25 years after she began her career with the agency as a graduate news production trainee.

Emily, pictured, replaces Clive Marshall, who announced his retirement last year after 14 years at the helm.

She worked in several editorial roles before including showbiz editor and features editor, before moving into various commercial and management positions within PA, most recently as MD of its stock imagery agency Alamy.

Said Emily: When I joined PA as a grad trainee in 1999, I knew this was an organisation where I could build my career.

“It’s a huge honour to be given the opportunity to take charge of an organisation I love and a brilliant team I respect and care deeply about.

“In the rapidly changing media world PA’s combination of maintaining traditional journalistic excellence and embracing cutting edge technological innovation is, in my view, key to our continued success.

“I’d like to thank Clive personally for his leadership and support and his role in overseeing our transformation from national news agency to international multi-media business.”

Clive added: “I’ve worked closely with Emily for many years and I couldn’t be happier with the board’s choice of her as my successor.

“I’ll be leaving the ship in safe and talented hands. I wish her and the entire PA team the very best for the future.”

PA Media Group chairman Murdoch MacLennan said: “Emily’s appointment is a tribute both to her remarkable skills and to the strengths and depth of PA Media Group. That she started her career with the business 25 years ago as a graduate trainee is something of which she and we are enormously proud.

“Emily’s appointment will ensure we build on the success of Clive’s tenure. We wish her every success and thank Clive for his outstanding service.”