In a move that signals both strategic renewal and generational change, the United Media Services company has appointed journalist and writer Ola El-Shafey as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors at El Youm7, one of Egypt’s most widely read newspapers and digital platforms.
The appointment marks a defining moment not only for Youm7 but also for Egypt’s evolving media landscape. El Shafey, long regarded for her sharp editorial voice and deep engagement with cultural and societal issues, steps into a role that places her at the center of shaping public discourse in an era of rapid media transformation.
Known for her measured insight, critical thinking, and dedication to journalistic integrity, El Shafey represents a generation of media leaders who bridge traditional newsroom values with a modern, audience-focused sensibility. Her ascent to the top of one of the Arab world’s most influential newsrooms sends a clear message: leadership in journalism is shifting toward innovation, diversity, and relevance.
Making this decision, the United Media Services cited a commitment to empowering rising talents and expanding the scope of media leadership with figures capable of combining professional rigor with cultural relevance.
While Youm7 remains a cornerstone of Egyptian journalism—often credited with setting the tone for digital media in the region—El Shafey’s leadership will usher in a fresh editorial vision. With deep roots in both print and digital, she brings a nuanced understanding of how media can better connect with a diverse and changing audience, particularly younger generations navigating a complex information landscape.
Her appointment also highlights a broader shift happening across regional media: a move toward female leadership in spaces that have long been male-dominated. In a country where the press has always played a critical role in political and social life, elevating women to the highest editorial ranks is both symbolic and strategic.
Ola El Shafey now carries the responsibility—and the opportunity—of steering Youm7 into its next chapter. As Egyptian media continues to recalibrate its role in an age of immediacy and information overload, all eyes will be on how she redefines one of the nation’s most prominent journalistic platforms.
