Announcing our new General Manager / CEO, Eli McLean
Express Media is excited to announce Eli McLean as our new General Manager / CEO!
Eli McLean is an editor, writer and publishing professional with broad sector experience and a deep knowledge of Australian literary culture. Most recently, he was Deputy Editor of Meanjin, and has also worked with Australian Book Review as Digital Editor, and Melbourne University Publishing as Sales, Marketing and Rights Coordinator. He lives and works on unceded Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung country.
On stepping into the role of Express Media’s General Manager / CEO, Eli says:
“I am thrilled beyond words to be able to impact the lives and careers of young writers and editors in the same way I was in my early career. Express Media plays an invaluable role in Australia’s literary landscape, nurturing vital new talent and facilitating a great diversity of experience and perspective in the literary arts. These close, careful mentoring and publishing opportunities that Express provides are something I can’t wait to play a role in shaping.”
Eli describes his arts career journey so far as “always unexpected, in short!”
“To be honest, I wasn’t thinking toward leadership when I started out — I was happy to quietly hone my editorial craft behind the scenes. However, the confidence placed in me by friends, colleagues and mentors in the industry, as well as the experience I’ve gained working in a diversity of roles across and outside of the sector, equipped me well for this position, which I believe came along at the perfect time.”
What advice does Eli have for young arts workers wanting to apply for positions like this in the future?
“You really just have to back yourself, and never underestimate the enthusiasm with which organisations like Express Media want to provide opportunities to young arts workers. As long as you approach your work with integrity, clarity and passion, there will always be someone ready to take a chance on you, regardless of age or experience.”
As well as an editor and arts/publishing professional, Eli is a published critic and a writer of fiction (currently sporadically working on a giant novel). He is also a reader, of course.
“What I most like to read is work that is unapologetic, daring and challenging. I like writing that takes big swings, has an unwavering perspective, and isn’t afraid to experiment with form and style. This is part of the reason I’m so excited to take on this role at Express Media — there are thousands of young, as-yet-unpublished writers in Australia working hard at the kind of writing that’ll take your breath away. Express Media helps bring such writing into the world.”