Paul Potts, the chief executive of the Press Association, received the CBE at a Buckingham Palace investiture ceremony today.
Potts, who received the award in the New Year Honours, joined the national news agency in 1995 and has overseen the creation of a multimedia information business with operations across the world. He is due to retire at the beginning of next year.
The Press Association celebrated its 140th anniversary last year and Potts also passed a personal milestone as it was 40 years since he was recruited as a trainee reporter by The Star in his native Sheffield. He is a former deputy editor of the Daily Express.
He said he was “delighted and deeply honoured” to be at the Palace to receive the award from the Princess Royal for services to journalism and paid tribute to the Press Association’s staff.
“The Press Association strives to produce high quality journalism and trusted information,” he said.
“It has been an absolute privilege to lead so many committed and talented people.
“I believe that this award is recognition of them and the central role the Press Association plays in the media industry.”
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