The Drum Awards for Marketing - Extended Deadline

-d -h -min -sec

Newspapers The Independent

Editor of The Independent stands down

Author

By The Drum Team, Editorial

April 9, 2010 | 3 min read

Editor of The Independent, Roger Alton, has decided to stand down with immediate effect.

Alton said in a statement that he thought it was right following the sale of the paper to Alexander and Evgeny Lebedev, that the new owners should be free to appoint their own editor.

“The two-year period in which I have been editor of The Independent has been easily the most exhilarating and exciting time of my career, and every day has been a chance to learn from a truly remarkable collection of colleagues and workmates, the most talented, dedicated and likeable of any group I have worked with. I wish them all the very best for the future, and I am sure that, under the ownership of the Lebedevs, the paper will go from strength to strength,” he added.

Alton was appointed as editor of the paper almost exactly two years ago, replacing Simon Kelner, who was promoted to managing director and editor-in-chief.

Kelner will take over day-to-day running of the paper during the election period and beyond, until a new editor is appointed.

Dan Gledhill and Adam Leigh will be joint deputy editors while John Mullin, editor of the Independent on Sunday will take on additional duties on the daily paper in order to integrate it better with the Sunday titles.

Simon Kelner, said: “Roger has edited The Independent throughout one of the most difficult periods in its history and has done so with elan, dedication, skill and his customary energy. His achievement in producing such a terrific newspaper, and in keeping the staff motivated and happy, while being buffeted by the harshest of economic winds is nothing short of remarkable. That The Independent lives to fight another day is due in no small part to Roger's determination to keep the wheels turning. Every member of staff owes him a debt of gratitude, and I am sure I speak for us all in wishing him well for the future.”

Newspapers The Independent

More from Newspapers

View all

Trending

Industry insights

View all
Add your own content +