Florence Biedermann becomes AFP chief editor

Biedermann will be the first woman as the agency's most senior journalist. She takes over from Nicolas Miletitch, who has held the post since 2006. Currently AFP's deputy director for Europe and Africa, Biedermann was bureau chief in Ankara from 1998 to 2002, a correspondent in Bonn and Nicosia before that and has held other senior positions at the agency.

She studied Chinese at France's National Institute of Languages and Oriental Civilization and also has a diploma from the Journalists Training Centre in Paris. Biedermann's appointment comes after several changes in AFP's management. Philippe Massonnet was named global news director in May with a mission to further strengthen its multi-media operation.