PA Media names Joe Sené as new Head of Pictures

Joe Sené has been named as the new Head of Pictures at PA Media after Martin Keene announced he is standing down after more than 25 years in the role.

Sené joins PA early in the new year and brings a wealth of experience across national and international picture desks.

Currently Picture Editor of the Daily and Sunday Express, he has previously run the operations at OK! Magazine, the National Enquirer, Splash News and Pictures and the World Entertainment News Network (WENN), among others.

Sené will direct PA’s photographers across the UK and Ireland, and on international assignments, ensuring the quality and smooth running of the operation. He joins at an exciting time, as the picture desk continues to collaborate with global content collection Alamy after it was acquired by PA Media Group in 2020.

Sené said: “I cannot wait to get started at PA and head up the picture operation at the UK and Ireland’s national news agency – it’s an immense honour. PA’s output, on pictures but also across editorial and video, is unparalleled and I’m excited to become part of an operation that sits at the heart of our media.”

Pete Clifton, Editor-in-Chief at PA Media, added: “We had a really strong field of candidates, but Joe stood out for his extensive experience, professionalism and leadership. He’s managed photographers across the world and knows what it takes to oversee the delivery of a complex and fast-moving picture operation.

“We’re immensely proud of our picture output, and Martin has led it with distinction. As he steps back, we’re confident that Joe is the ideal person to take over.”

Keene, meanwhile, will depart from his full-time role at the end of 2021 but will remain with the company part-time in a new role as Editor, Major Ceremonial Events, with his primary focus being the planning and oversight of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

Initially joining PA as a photographer, Keene has covered the Royal family extensively, took the now-famous photo of Princess Diana sitting by the Taj Mahal, and in 2007 became a Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO).

Keene added: “I said when my departure was announced that it was time to let someone else pick up the reins of one of the best jobs in British journalism, and I’m thrilled that we’ve found that person in Joe.

“I’ve had an incredible journey with PA, and now I look forward to handing over to Joe. With 2022 promising to be another whirlwind year across news, sport and entertainment, I know our picture operation is in safe hands.”