The high-profile former Chief Executive of the Press Association Group, which supplies news wire to almost all national and local newspapers, television, radio and news websites, will be sharing his expertise with budding newshounds at the University of Sheffield, after being named Visiting Professor of Journalism.

Paul Potts, has been responsible for establishing the Press Association as the UK´s leading multimedia news service and supplier of business-to-business media service, transforming it from a domestic news agency into a supplier of news information with operations across the globe. His appointment as Visiting Professor at the University´s Department of Journalism Studies will mean that staff, students and members of the local community will get to learn more about his exciting career and road to success.

Paul began his career as a trainee reporter at the Sheffield Star and was the former deputy editor of the Daily Express. He has served on the PA Group board since 1995 as Editor-in-Chief and from 2000 as Chief Executive. Paul was awarded a CBE in the New Year's Honours for services to journalism in December 2009 and after a 15-year association with PA, retired on his 60th birthday this year.

During his three year stint as Visiting Professor at the University, Paul will be visiting the University on several different occasions. He will be giving lectures to journalism postgraduate and undergraduate students to share his experiences and talk about the challenges faced by journalists and the way in which the PA has transformed the journalistic world.

Journalism students will also be able to speak to Paul about their career choices and experiences as a writer, deputy editor of a national paper and role as Chief Executive of the PA Group.

Paul said: "I am delighted by this honour and look forward to working with staff and students at a time when journalism is undergoing significant change and development. Sheffield is my home city and I have great pride in what has been achieved here by the Department of Journalism Studies at the University of Sheffield."

Professor Jackie Harrison, Head of the Department of Journalism Studies at the University of Sheffield, said: "Paul´s experience and knowledge of all aspects of modern journalism will enable the Department to continue to anticipate the requisite array of professional skills necessary for students today. Paul will also bring fresh ideas and exciting research opportunities to the Department."