Nine’s new women-focused digital subscription business, Future Women, has announced the appointment of Jamila Rizvi (pictured above, right) as editor-at-large.

Unveiled at last year’s Nine Upfronts, Future Women is a subscription site aimed at professional women and female entrepreneurs. It is due to launch later this year.

In announcing Rizvi’s appointment, Nine’s director of digital content, Helen McCabe (pictured above, left), said she couldn’t think of anyone more suited to the new role.

“Jamila is a young leader in this field. She is very knowledgeable about the space and has been a passionate advocate both for equality and for women,” McCabe said.

“From her early days in politics to her editorship of Mamamia and her recent books, there is probably no one more obvious to be involved in Future Women.

“She will be hosting our regular podcast FW Weekly and be involved in speaking and curating our events in Melbourne where she is based.

“One of FW’s verticals is leadership and equality, and this is a space Jamila knows really well. I expect her to own that space in conjunction with Emily Brooks, our editor.”

Rizvi is the author of two best-selling books, The Motherhood and Not Just Lucky, and the former editor-in-chief of Mamamia. She was also a deputy chief of staff to Kate Ellis, a former Minister for Women, Employment Participation and Childcare.

“I wanted to be part of a brand that is unapologetically focused on gender equality,” Rizvi said. “I can’t think of anything more exciting to be a part of right now.

“Future Women will drive important conversations between professional women on topics that are directly relevant to them, through digital, audio, video and events. I share Helen McCabe’s seriously big ambitions for what Future Women will become.”

In March, Future Women announced its first editorial appointments, with Emily Brooks joining as launch editor and Danielle Pinkus as content director and editor of the FW digital magazine.

Patti Andrews has also been appointed as creative director, while Angela Ledgerwood will work as a New York correspondent.

Last week, Future Women announced its first commercial partnership, joining specialist consulting firm Diversity Partners to create the FW Academy.

McCabe said the business was planning to launch Future Women in the coming months, while FW Academy will launch towards the end of 2018.

The FW Academy is designed to offer expert insights, speakers and tools to corporate clients to help them challenge unconscious bias, promote inclusive leadership and work flexibility.