Happy Birthday Riyad Mathew: A journey of journalistic excellence and media leadership

Riyad Mathew, Chief Associate Editor and Director of the Malayala Manorama Group and THE WEEK, has turned a year older.

Mathew has established himself as a respected voice in Indian media, combining editorial experience with an understanding of the evolving media business. His professional journey reflects a commitment to journalism, institutional leadership and the strengthening of India's media ecosystem.

A graduate of the University of Maryland, where he earned his master's degree in journalism, Mathew gained valuable international exposure early in his career. His professional experience included working with The Associated Press and training at prestigious news organisations, including The Washington Post, The Washington Times and Capital News Service.

These formative experiences helped shape a career that would eventually extend beyond the newsroom into media management, publishing and industry representation.

At the Malayala Manorama Group, one of India's most established media organisations, Mathew has played an important leadership role. His association with THE WEEK, among the country's leading English news magazines, has placed him at the intersection of editorial excellence and the changing dynamics of news consumption.

Beyond his responsibilities at the group, Mathew has made significant contributions to several important media institutions.

He has served on the Board of Directors of the Press Trust of India (PTI) since 2009 and held the position of Chairman during 2016–2017. His association with India's premier news agency reflects his longstanding involvement in the country's news and information ecosystem.

In another important milestone, Mathew was unanimously elected Chairman of the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) for 2024–2025, an institution central to maintaining transparency and credibility in newspaper and magazine circulation measurement.

His international engagement has been equally noteworthy. Having served on the global board of the Vienna-based International Press Institute until May 2023, he has also held the position of Chairman of IPI India, contributing to conversations surrounding press freedom, journalistic independence and media responsibility.

Mathew has also been associated with influential industry bodies, including the Media Research Users Council (MRUC) and the Association of Indian Magazines (AIM), further demonstrating the breadth of his involvement in India's media landscape.

What makes his professional journey particularly significant is the combination of hands-on journalism, editorial stewardship and media industry leadership. At a time when traditional media organisations are navigating digital disruption, changing audience behaviour and new commercial realities, experienced leaders who understand both journalism and the business of media remain particularly relevant.

As Riyad Mathew celebrates his birthday, his journey stands as a testament to professional commitment, institutional contribution and the enduring importance of credible journalism.