Alan Qualtrough steps down as Western Morning News editor
Alan Qualtrough has stepped down as editor of the Western Morning News after 11 years at Northcliffe Media.
Qualtrough joined Northcliffe in 2001 as editor of the Plymouth Evening Herald. Before that he was news editor at the Daily Express.
Under his editorship, the Western Morning News has championed rural industry and enterprise across the South West, and last year the Western Morning News became the first newspaper to be directly awarded a £1m grant from the Regional Growth Fund to create jobs in areas affected by public spending cuts.
Qualtrough said: “I have been immensely proud to work for Northcliffe Media and make a real difference to some of the communities I served.
“It has been a privilege to work with such a professional and talented editorial team who helped me transform the Western Morning News into one of the best performing titles in Northcliffe.
“The Western Morning News has been deeply rooted in Westcountry communities and traditions and has campaigned hard for them and long may this continue.”
Andrew Blair, managing director, South West Media Group, added: "Alan leaves the Western Morning News in a very healthy state, with one of the best circulation performances in the industry. We are grateful for his contribution to the business and wish him well in his future endeavours."