James Harding is the new editor of The Times, replacing Robert Thomson, who is leaving the paper after five years to become publisher of Dow Jones in New York.
Harding moves up from current role as business and city editor of the paper.
Rupert Murdoch, chairman and chief executive of News Corporation, said: ‘Under Robert Thomson’s leadership, The Times has gone from strength to strength and I am confident James is the editor to build on Robert’s success.
‘James has enjoyed an outstanding career as a correspondent and editorial executive. His experience working in Britain and around the world equips him ideally to take on the job of editing The Times.”
James Murdoch, who been put in charge of News Corp’s activities in Europe and Asia, which including The Times’ parent company News International, said: ‘James is a tremendous journalist and executive – there is no better choice to lead The Times in this exciting period. I’ve known, respected, and trusted James for years, and I’m looking forward to working with him.”
James Harding said: ‘I am delighted to succeed Robert. Under his leadership, The Times has led the way in trusted news and challenging opinion, while innovating in design, internationalising its reach and driving a new era of Times journalism online.
‘The Times stands at the heart of the national argument, reaching 12.5 million people around the world online and, for the first time in decades, the newspaper has been profitable in recent months.”
Robert Thomson said: ‘I have cherished my time at The Times, which will be in the very capable hands of James Harding, one of the most outstanding British journalists of his generation.”
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