Archant has overhauled its senior editorial structure in a move that sees East Anglian Daily Times editor Terry Hunt promoted to editor-in-chief of Archant Suffolk, taking over the editorship of the Ipswich Star.
The Star’s editor Nigel Pickover has been appointed editor-in-chief of the company’s Norfolk daily titles and will oversee both the Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News.
He replaces Peter Waters, who Archant said had decided to leave the business, as editor of the EDP, while Norwich Evening News editor Tim Williams takes up the new role of ‘development editor’across both the Suffolk and Norfolk operations.
Nigel and Terry will report to Bob Crawley, recently appointed publishing director at Archant Anglia. The changes take place with immediate effect.
Hunt, one of Britain’s longest-serving daily newspaper editors, commented: ‘It is an absolute privilege to be editor of the papers which serve my home county. It is a rare honour to edit the papers which your family has read for generations.
‘I am very proud of Suffolk, and the way the county has evolved in the past few decades, without losing its special character. I’ve lived in Ipswich for more than 25 years, and I am very excited to have responsibility for the town’s paper again. Nigel has done a fantastic job, making The Star a powerhouse which fights for its community. I can assure readers that campaigning spirit will live on.”
Pickover, editor of The Star since 1996, added: ‘It has been an absolute privilege to be the editor of The Star for the last 16 years and to serve the people of Ipswich, Felixstowe and the surrounding villages.
‘Of course there’s an element of sadness at leaving, but I am looking forward to new challenges – and I know I leave The Star in extremely capable hands.”
Archant Anglia managing director Johnny Hustler said: ‘Nigel has been a legend in Ipswich, and will be greatly missed by the whole community – but it is a fantastic opportunity for him to take on a new role and repeat the success that he has had in Suffolk. He is relocating to Norfolk with his wife Ru.
‘During his tenure on The Star the title has won consistent acclaim from the media world picking up 20 coveted Newspaper of the Year awards in 16 years for its strong campaigning stanch, editorial quality and support of its local communities.
‘Terry, who lives in Ipswich, is no stranger to The Star. He has edited it in the past, and already manages much of the team that contribute to its content. I am confident it will remain in safe hands and continue its work as a fearless campaigner on behalf of the town.
‘These changes are made at a time when our business is evolving rapidly and new digital platforms are providing many new opportunities for us to interact with our customers.
‘Both Terry and Nigel have shown great skill in this area and I am lucky to have two people with the right skills to help lead us through this evolution.”
News comes days after Archant Norfolk circulation director Don Williamson was sacked for gross misconduct after he admitted falsifying ABC circulation figures – but the company insisted it had nothing to do with today’s news.
In a statement it said: ‘These changes have no connection with the dismissal last week of Archant Anglia circulation director Don Williamson.”
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