Staff Spotlight - Mala Sehgal-Chapman, Senior Sales Executive, PA Mediapoint

Giving users exclusive access to PA Media’s breaking news stories at the same time as the media, PA Mediapoint is our unrivalled news monitoring service for PR and communication professionals across the UK and Ireland. Whether you would like to stay abreast of top trending news stories, generate publicity or manage a PR crisis, it can be the critical difference when a story breaks.

In this month’s staff spotlight, we are pleased to introduce Mala Sehgal-Chapman Senior Sales Executive at PA Mediapoint. With over 20 years in the PR industry Mala is an expert in her field.

What is your job role at Mediapoint and what does a typical working day entail for you?

My job role is Senior Sales Executive, and a typical day involves reaching out to the PR world. Outbound calls, sending over content, demoing PA Mediapoint, writing proposals. Research plays a significant role in this position as PA set the news agenda for the day which is crucial for PR professionals seeking access to a schedule or pre-press opportunities.   

How would you describe PA Mediapoint in one sentence?

PA Mediapoint helps clients hit the headlines.  

Tell us about your career journey, both at PA Mediapoint and what led you to working here?

I graduated from university with a degree in media and performance, which is where I first heard about PA! After graduating, I started working at the BBC, then went on to the Financial Times. It was during the Financial Times where I first got into the PR side of things. I then joined PR Newswire that’s when I realised I loved this industry. Back then we would come to the PA offices and show people around so you can see there was always a big pull for me to the Press Association. I then came to PA in 2020. I have now worked with the PR sector for 25 years and I am passionate about the news, making it the perfect place for me.  

What’s your favourite thing about your job?

I love the news and I am constantly immersed in it. I enjoy engaging with people in PR since it’s so diverse, and I genuinely love the people I work with.  

What’s been the biggest changes in the PR industry that you have noticed?

ESG has become a significant focus for many companies over the past 2-3 years. Additionally, AI is now a major game-changer, with numerous opportunities and discussions revolving around it.  

How do you see the industry changing within the next five years?

AI will continue to be a transformative force, particularly in helping craft their press releases. For example, the advancements made by GPT have already showcased the potential of AI in this area.  There’s even a possibility a robot could take over my job which is both scary and exciting at the same time.  

At the same time there has been a massive improvement in workplace wellbeing and diversity and I only see that continuing. 

Tell us a bit about yourself outside of work? What hobbies do you enjoy? 

Outside of work, I have a passion for designing and making my own perfume. I have a market stall on Portobello Road. My perfume is vegan, chemical-free and alcohol-free, just perfume oils with my own unique blend to make a signature scent.   

Keep posted for our next Staff Spotlight next month!

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