Axios picks Simon Hernandez-Arthur to lead Axios Communicators

Simon Hernandez-Arthur

Axios has hired Simon Hernandez-Arthur to author the Axios Communicators newsletter and helm the franchise.

His first day will be Monday, June 22, appearing at Axios House Cannes.

Why it matters: He will succeed Eleanor Hawkins as the author of the Axios Communicators newsletter, host of the annual Axios Communicators Live event, and leader of the “Mixing Board, powered by Axios” premium membership. 

What we’re saying: “In the age of AI and a fragmented media landscape, the communications function is rapidly changing and becoming more essential by the day — which is why we were able to transform Axios Communicators from an idea into a must-read newsletter with a highly active membership,” said Axios Publisher Nicholas Johnston. “We’re extremely excited to have such a highly-accomplished, capable communicator in Simon take over leading this growing franchise for Axios.”

“The people in this community are doing some of the hardest, most consequential work in business right now — and it's only getting harder,” said Axios HQ CEO Roy Schwartz. “Simon's background spans journalism, advocacy and years inside one of the world's biggest companies — we can't wait to see what he brings.”

The details: Hernandez-Arthur joins Axios after nearly six years of executing internal content strategy for PayPal. He previously handled media relations at The Nature Conservancy and Oxfam.

• Before working in communications, he worked in journalism — spending over five years at CNN, working within the newsroom as an assignment editor.
• A graduate of George Washington University, he now resides in Austin, Texas.

Zoom in: Hernandez-Arthur will now lead Axios Communicators, a free weekly newsletter covering the biggest trends and topics in the communications industry.

• Axios Communicators also includes an expanded premium membership, which combined with Axios HQ’s Mixing Board last October.
• This entity, "Mixing Board, powered by Axios," supports a network of more than 800 senior communication leaders from companies like Amazon, Coca-Cola, Disney, Netflix and Walmart.
• Axios HQ’s Tristyn Hassani has stepped into an expanded role as head of community for MB/A, where she will lead member experience, community growth and strategic programming.

How it works: Axios produces the community's editorial content and events, while the Mixing Board team supports the community by leading trainings, spurring conversations and making connections. Those membership benefits include:

• Access to an internal Slack community and member directory.
• Twice-monthly calls on hot-button topics.
• A dedicated resource hub.
• A members-only Monday newsletter.
• Monthly case studies and quarterly research reports.

Apply to join the “Mixing Board, powered by Axios” community here.

What’s next: Request an invite to the Axios House Cannes events here.