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August 9, 2001updated 17 May 2007 11:30am

Hayward steps down at VNU’s Computing

By Press Gazette

 Douglas Hayward, editor of VNU’s flagship IT title Computing, is leaving to spend more time writing and researching new projects.

Hayward will take up the role of executive editor at VNU working on new launches, one-off special projects and contract publishing.

His remit will be split 50/50 between editorial and non-editorial duties and he will report directly to Martin Hill, publishing director of VNU’s corporate computing group. which includes titles such as Computing, Network News and IT Week.

Hayward said he had suggested switching to a new role several months ago.

"I have hardly written anything for three and a half years, which can be frustrating, and I’d like to broaden my skills," he told Press Gazette.

"I will be going back to writing analysis, mainly for Computing." Hayward has been editor of Computing for two and a half years, having joined the title in 1998 as managing editor.

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Prior to Computing, he was international editor of the CMP-owned news wire techweb. He has also freelanced for The Guardian, The Times, the FT and  The Independent.

His departure follows a £1m overhaul which included a redesign and a shake-up of the editorial team.

The title expanded its news coverage and repositioned itself as a business magazine to target the new economy’s ‘real’ decision makers.

Fresh investment was ploughed into research, editorial, circulation and recruitment and the overall size was reduced to a US tabloid format. The revamp coincided with the launch of the Industry Standard, which closed earlier this year.

"The redesign was a huge affair. It was massively successful and I feel I will be leaving the magazine in a strong position in terms of people and direction," Hayward said.

As part of his role, Hayward will brief senior management on new technologies and trends, and sales and marketing staff on developments in the IT industry.

Peter Kirwen, publisher of Computing, declined to reveal any details about any forthcoming projects but said: "We think there are still abundant opportunities in this market." VNU is in the process of recruiting a new editor.

By Ruth Addicott

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

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