TORONTO—Pink Triangle Press, Canada’s leading LGBT media group, has appointed David Walberg as its executive director, effective April 3. Walberg will lead a team of 55 staff in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Vancouver, as announced today by board members Negar Farjadnia and Jim Bartley.
After a rigorous search, the board of directors for Pink Triangle Press (PTP) concluded that Walberg’s excellent leadership experience, along with his strong track record of success in the various positions he has held within the organization, made him an outstanding candidate for the role.“David Walberg will lead Pink Triangle Press with tremendous energy and skill,” says Gillian Rodgerson, a member of the board of directors at PTP. “His accomplishments as an activist and as a publisher, and his imaginative approach to our work, made him the right choice.”
Walberg has worked at PTP for more than 25 years, and is currently its digital chief executive. He has spearheaded major strategy and technology changes across the company, helping PTP grow as a leader in championing for LGBT rights and ensuring that the organization would be financially independent to promote sexual freedom and equality, and is continuing to enjoy growth in its audience and engagement. “I’m honoured by the opportunity to lead one of the world’s great LGBT media enterprises,” says Walberg of his appointment. “I look forward to working with our incredibly talented staff, board, contributors and partners to help keep our communities vital and strong.”
As publisher and editor-in-chief, Walberg led the flagship paper Xtra through a successful era of growth in influence, reach and revenue. He was the co-creator of PTP’s adult online dating website Squirt.org, leading the project from inception into a worldwide paid network. Walberg also led the expansion of PTP journalism from its print origins into new media, reaching new communities and audiences worldwide.
Walberg initiated the latest round of strategic planning at PTP and oversees the execution of its current plan which has brought financial stability to the organization. As a result of this strategy, the Press has become one of the rare media enterprises to develop a sustainable digital business model. Walberg succeeds Ken Popert, who has led PTP since 1986. Popert preserved the organization when The Body Politic, its key title at the time, ceased publication. He recreated the Press as an influential and financially viable enterprise and retires after overseeing an era of tremendous growth and change.
