Pa Malick Faye, one of the longest serving members of staff of the Observer Company (Gambia) Ltd, officially took over as the acting managing director of the country's leading newspaper with effect from Friday 1st May, 2009.

He was previously Production/Administration Manager. He replaces Aja Neneh Macdouall-Gaye, who has been appointed as Gambia's plenipotentiary to USA, Canada and Mexico.

A journalist by profession, he began his career over a decade  ago as a reporter. He gradually rose through the ranks at the Daily Observer. In January 2008, he was appointed assistant deputy managing director. He was later redeployed as Production/Admin. Manager. He successfully fulfilled this important duty by ensuring that readers get their daily newspaper.

Under the dynamic leadership of Aja Neneh Macdouall-Gaye, he was able to acquire the necessary skills a 21st-century media personnel should have, from highly successful management experience to the vision and energy of a top leader. He was amongst the genuine people that played a key role in the dynamics of change that helped the company to set a new path towards modernity. Entrusted with the arduous task to now manage the company, he was quick to thank the proprietor and his predecessor for the thrust and confidence bestowed on him. "I, together with my management team, will do our utmost to consolidate on the gains registered by Aja Neneh Macdouall-Gaye," he said. He then added: "I have a strong management team and together we can."

Reacting to this new development, Thomas Kojo Quayson (Junior), deputy editor-in-chief and chief proofreader, described the appointment of Pa Malick Faye at the helm of the company as a good move. "It is definitely an excellent move as Faye has a good knowledge of the company and has manifested his loyalty to the Daily Observer over an extended period of time. I am confident that he will build on the foundation laid down by Ambassador Macdouall-Gaye and push the company forward to greater heights," he asserted.

In a similar vein, Daily Observer's sports anchorman, Nanama Keita (Okocha), indicated that Faye's appointment consecrates months of a new management style that have been put in place by Aja Neneh Macdouall, aiming at not only helping to motivate employees, but also involving them in the decision making process. "During her short but memorable stint, Neneh has achieved what many others had failed to achieve in years of their stewardships. As such, Pa Malick Faye's appointment as the new head is in line with the principles of good governance inaugurated by the outgoing MD. I must say that he deserves the post as one of the longest serving staff who have always served the company with sheer determination. With the support of the entire staff, I have no doubt that Faye will steer the company in the right direction,"  he stated.  
 
Alhagie Jobe, deputy editor-in-chief, said the appointment of  Pa Malick Faye is not a surprise, describing him as "hard working, committed and dedicated." Jobe went on: "A close friend and one of the longest serving staff particularly in the editorial department, Pa Malick has sacrificed a lot for the company over the past twelve years. Their struggle in the hard days, makes Observer Company what it is today. So he deserves such a position. He is a hardworking staff. I am confident that he will make a breakthrough."

Jobe prayed for Pa Malick to gain every success in the position and called on the entire staff to give their full support to the young leader. Also reacting to the new development, Kemo Cham, editor-in-chief, of the Daily Observer said; "This development is historic in that it ushers in an ambitious leadership that institutions like this yearn for. Having served for so long a period of time, the experience Pa Malick has gathered over the years makes him fit for the position. All he needs now is the support of the rest of the staff to take the company to where it is destined." "Collectively, we owe it all to the proprietor of the company as well as the former MD, Aja Neneh Macdouall-Gaye, who, in my view, has revolutionised managerial systems. And as the editor-in-chief, I can assure our proprietors, and the entire readership of the Daily Observer that we at the Observer will continue in the direction Neneh has put us on. Yes, collectively we can,"  he added.