Press Association names Pete Clifton as new editor-in-chief
The Press Association has anointed Pete Clifton as its incoming editor-in-chief replacing incumbent Jonathan Grun in the role from the New Year.
A former editorial executive at MSN and the BBC Clifton will be charged with picking up the baton of the news organisations digital transformation which sees it aim to become a multi-platform news and information business.
Clifton joins the PA from MSN where he served as executive producer in the UK, leading a 70 strong editorial team, although he is no stranger to the PA, having previously worked for the business during the mid-nineties as editor of its Teletext service and sub-editor of PA Sport. He will assume the reins of his new role on 1 January.
PA managing director Tony Watson said: “Pete Clifton has a reputation in the industry as an editorial heavyweight and we are delighted to have appointed him to this key position. He joins PA at an exciting time, when the opportunities and challenges presented by huge changes in news consumption are encouraging tremendous innovation and creativity in story-telling. He will bring to the role an impressive combination of editorial judgement, digital insight, and the leadership qualities to bring about the changes necessary to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving media market."
Clifton himself added: " As someone who has worked for PA and also been a customer, I am passionate about its reputation for fast, fair and accurate journalism. I look forward to helping PA prosper at the heart of the UK's media landscape in the digital age."
Outgoing editor Grun sat in the hot seat for 14 years, culminating a 36 year career at the company, but is set to retire in May 2015.