Daily Mirror deputy editor Conor Hanna (above left) is to leave the paper after almost 15 years to become a TV executive at CNN in the US.
Hanna, one of the paper’s longest serving senior editorial staff, will leave the daily redtop at Christmas to take up his new role, which is understood to be with former Mirror boss Piers Morgan as he replaces Larry King as CNN’s main interviewer. Hanna will be replaced in London by associate editor Peter Willis (right).
After starting at the Mirror in Belfast as reporter in early 1996, Hanna quickly moved to become news editor in Ireland for the northern and southern editions before moving to London as night news editor in 1998.
He was then appointed news editor of the Mirror in 2000 before becoming assistant editor in April, 2003. Editor Richard Wallace then appointed Hanna as deputy editor in July, 2004.
His replacement, Willis, has been with the Mirror for 13 years and held a variety of senior executive roles including features editor as well as being the creator the Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards.
Wallace praised Hanna’s contribution to the paper during his tenure and congratulated Willis on his promotion.
He said: ‘Peter is an exceptional journalist who I’ve worked alongside for many years. I know he will be a great success in his new role.
‘I’d also want to thank Conor Hanna for his fantastic contribution and commitment in his time at the Mirror. He has all our very best wishes for the future.”
In addition to Willis’s promotion, the Mirror has also made a number of other appointments. Current night editor Jonathan Clark has been promoted to executive night editor while Chris Eary, current assistant night editor has been made night editor.
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