NEW YORK, 29th May 2007/PRNewswire/ -- PR Newswire today announced the appointment of Martha Davidson to the position of chief security officer.

In this newly created position, Ms. Davidson will be responsible for information security, physical security and business continuity planning for PR Newswire’s worldwide offices.  Specifically, she will be tasked with identifying risk factors, recommending security strategies, and implementing information security programs for PR Newswire’s leading commercial news distribution service. She will report to David Michael, PR Newswire’s chief information officer and executive vice president of global operations.

“PR Newswire distributes news for half of the publicly traded companies listed on exchanges in the United States,” said Michael.  “This is market-moving information and must be safeguarded using the most technically advanced security measures available. 

“Martha’s appointment to chief security officer is testament to our ongoing commitment to this level of security. With her extensive information security experience at such Fortune 500 companies as IDT Corporation, Bell South International and AT&T, Martha has the expertise needed to help PR Newswire maintain and enhance the unparalleled level of security we are known for providing for more than 50 years,” concluded Michael.

Ms. Davidson commented, “PR Newswire has very specialized security initiatives already in place, and I look forward to working with the senior management team to establish a long-term comprehensive security strategy that will enhance these initiatives and allow PR Newswire to continue to offer innovative products and services, and unparalleled customer service.”

Ms. Davidson, who will be based in PR Newswire’s Jersey City, N.J., location, holds a master of science in information technology with an information security specialization from Capella University, Minneapolis and a bachelor of arts in sociology from Howard University, Washington, D.C.

The CSO practice of international executive search firm Gow & Partners assisted PR Newswire in the search for Ms. Davidson. 

About PR Newswire
PR Newswire Association LLC provides electronic distribution, targeting, measurement and broadcast services on behalf of tens of thousands of corporate, government, association, labor, non-profit, and other customers worldwide.  Using PR Newswire, these organizations reach a variety of critical audiences including the news media, the investment community, government decision-makers, and the general public with their up-to-the-minute, full-text news developments.

About Gow & Partners
Gow & Partners, founded in 2002, is a global premier boutique specializing in the recruitment of key senior executives for international clients.  Headquartered in New York with a network of offices in London, Chicago, Houston, Washington DC, Brussels, Istanbul, Munich, Frankfurt, Berlin, Hong Kong and Johannesburg, the firm offers clients in-depth local market intelligence and provides outstanding advice and world class candidates globally.