Sun editor Rebekah Wade has today been confirmed as the new chief executive of News International.
News Corp announced this afternoon that Wade, who has edited Britain’s biggest selling daily paper for six years, will be take up her new job in September
She will take over the day-to-day running of News International’s five titles – the Sun, News of the World, Times, Sunday Times and thelondonpaper.
Wade will report to News Corp’s European chairman and chief executive James Murdoch, who becomes News International executive chairman.
Murdoch said in a statement: “Rebekah combines enormous editorial talent with commercial and strategic creativity at the highest level.
“I know that in this new role she will make a huge contribution to the business of journalism and to News Corporation’s continued role as a pacesetter in this incredible business.”
Wade added: “Our titles are among the best in the world thanks to an unrelenting focus on high quality journalism that connects with its readers.
“At such a crucial time for the newspaper industry, I am honoured to have the opportunity to work with the exceptional team here and believe that we have an exciting future.”
News Corp chairman Rupert Murdoch said: “Rebekah is a great campaigning editor who has worked her way up through the company with an energy and enthusiasm that reflects true passion for newspapers and an understanding of the crucial contribution that independent journalism makes to society.
“Her promotion reflects the importance of journalism to this business.”
Wade takes on some of the management responsibilities of former News International chairman Les Hinton, who moved to New York to become chief executive of Wall Street Journal publisher Dow Jones at the end of 2007.
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