Mark Davies named to AP Nerve Center senior post, will focus on coverage to fit customer needs

Mark Davies, a senior AP news manager with strong experience in designing news coverage for specific customer needs, has been appointed to lead the AP's Nerve Center during the U.S. day.

Davies, currently global news manager for U.S. evenings, will move to the daytime post Dec. 15, Senior Managing Editor Michael Oreskes announced Monday.

The Nerve Center, located in New York, coordinates the news organization's worldwide coverage in text, broadcast, photos and interactives. It also is a key link between the news cooperative's media customers and its newsrooms worldwide.

"Mark comes deeply prepared for the task ahead, expanding our ability to connect with customers in real time," Oreskes said. "His work with customers is all the stronger because Mark is a first class news leader, known for his strong news sense, calm judgment and high standards."

Davies, 49, worked for two newspapers and two television networks in his native Australia and for Reuters Television before joining AP in 2004. He helped launch AP Direct, the first live and rolling video news service for broadcasters, and went on to play a major role in establishing the AP's cross-format newsroom in London.

As editor of the day and head of newsgathering for AP's television arm in London, Davies helped expand its client liaison desk. In addition to his news duties, he is now working on projects to further deepen editorial relationships with leading AP customers worldwide.