Andres Ilves

Who is Andres Ilves?

Andres Ilves is a journalist at the BBC, currently heading the Somali Service at BBC Africa, previously head of the Persian and Pashto Service of the BBC World Service, responsible for BBC radio and online output in the languages of Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan, and the border areas of Pakistan.

In addition to his positions of editorial responsibility within the BBC, Ilves speaks and writes about current affairs, appearing on television as well.

Between 2009 and 2011 he was the Head of Development for BBC Global News Marketing, Communications, and Audiences.

Ilves is the editor of "More Light, Less Heat: Who holds power in the global conversation?", a collection of global thought leaders' views on how both the rapid changes in communication—from the internet to mobile phones—and the rise of extreme views have changed our world since the beginning of the 21st century.

He has also been the Chair of the Board of Trustees of Peace Direct, a UK-based charity providing support to peace builders in a dozen conflict zones around the world.