About Us

Rufat Hamzayev is a TV journalist and media executive with extensive experience in television broadcasting. He began his career at AzTV, where he progressed through roles such as reporter, editor, editor-in-chief, news director, and ultimately Deputy Chairman. He has conducted numerous exclusive interviews and reported from the epicenter of major global events.

With a strong academic background, he holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Baku State University and a second degree in International Relations from the Academy of Public Administration under the President of Azerbaijan. His expertise spans news programming, editorial leadership, and international media collaborations.

Rufat Hamzayev's vision is to position AnewZ as a leading voice in global journalism, connecting audiences from Baku to the world.

Guy Shone joined AnewZ as Editor-in-Chief in August 2024. Previously Guy worked for Euronews as Bureau Chief for the channel in Qatar and presenter of International Business Show ‘The Exchange’ and interview show ‘The Dialogue’. Prior to Euronews, Guy worked for a wide range of BBC TV and Radio channels in the UK. He also worked as a political analyst for SABC News and economics writer for the UK's most read newspapers including the Metro and the Sun. Before journalism, Guy had a career as an economist holding various leadership positions including Global Head of Research for the investment banking group Old Mutual PLC and Head of Research for the UK government organization - MPAS.

Bringing over 20 years of experience in audiovisual production and content development, Pedro Sousa is responsible for the channel's strategic objectives and production processes. He has a strong background in executive coordination and team leadership. His expertise spans international markets, including significant projects in Africa and Europe. Career highlights include the Emmy-nominated soap opera 'Windeck' and the documentary series 'Planeta A,' selected for the Prix Europa.

Fikrat Dolukhanov joined AnewZ in August 2024 as News Development and Innovations Director. Before that, he led the News Department at Azerbaijan’s public broadcaster, ITV, where he introduced planning routines, newsroom computer system workflows, mobile journalism (MoJo) practices, and digital integration.

As a journalist, he has covered major international events, including the World Economic Forum in Davos, Munich Security Conference, European Political Community summits, COP28, and trilateral Azerbaijan-Russia-Armenia talks. His experience includes working with media organisations such as EBU, BBC, Reuters, AP, Al Jazeera, and Anadolu Agency.

Fikrat has also worked in media production, international relations, and content acquisition, managing collaborations with Discovery, Sony, and Fremantle.
At AnewZ, he focuses on developing editorial strategies, managing the newsroom, and integrating new technologies to enhance news coverage.

Orkhan Amashov joined AnewZ in August 2024 as Deputy Editor-in-Chief. Previously, he served as Chief Political Analyst for Caliber, where he hosted his own program, “Contemplations with Orkhan Amashov”, offering in-depth analysis and commentary on the Azerbaijani-Armenian peace process and regional dynamics. Orkhan, with a strong legal background, brings his expertise in geopolitical and legal affairs to AnewZ, leading discussions on key issues. He is known for his sharp analytical approach and insightful perspectives on international affairs, particularly through his role in hosting programs such as “Dialogue of Civilizations”, “Caucasus Now”, and the daily “Context” program.

Nadiya Dermanska is a TV journalist, producer, presenter, and media manager. Lived and worked in Ukraine, Belgium, France, Poland, and the USA, covering major world events as a special TV correspondent. As a TV manager, Nadiya worked for Euronews Ukraine and the Ukrainian international broadcasting FreeDom TV. Reuters Foundation, Deutsche Welle Akademie, BBC Media action course graduate.
“Azerbaijan is another milestone in my professional career. I’m happy to explore this part of the world, and local traditions, get to know new people, and contribute to the development of AnewZ. Vibrant Baku, our goals and achievements, unique multicultural and multinational team make my life and work in Azerbaijan unforgettable. I strongly believe that AnewZ is a unique project that will change and already changing the media landscape of the South Caucasus.”
Nadiya fell in love with journalism at the age of 17 when she got her first job - a trainee at a provincial TV station in Ukraine and still thinking that it’s the best profession on the whole planet.

Emin is a journalist and an analyst with a diverse skill set acquired during his career in national and international organizations, diplomatic service, and press. His interests include analysing changes in power dynamics between state actors.

At AnewZ his responsibilities include ensuring the smooth running of newsroom to guarantee the cohesive functioning of the team.

Victoria Dementieva is a journalist and editor with over 15 years of experience in international reporting. She has covered major global events, including the 2019 G20 Osaka Summit, EU summits, and annual OSCE Ministerial meetings.

Victoria has participated in prestigious journalism programs, such as the Open World Program (U.S., 2010) and the Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists (U.S., 2016), part of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), focusing on media ethics, press freedom, and investigative journalism.