New Observer editor John Mulholland has been at the paper for nine years – joining as Roger Alton’s joint deputy along with Paul Webster.
Some Observer journalists are understood to be relieved that a new editor has been appointed internally, rather than a Guardian journalist being parachuted in.
Mulholland has told staff that he has been given categorical assurances that the future of The Observer as a stand-alone, independent title is secure – despite the planned move to 24/7 web publishing in concert with The Guardian.
CV
Deputy editor, The Observer, 1998-present
Appointed with specific responsibility for overseeing the features output, including magazines, sport, travel and culture sections. Developed and launched the Observer stable of monthly magazines. In each case – apart from Woman – he developed the concept, executed the dummies, appointed editors, and continued to oversee them.
Mirror Group, 1998
Mulholland had a three-month interlude at the Mirror Group. He was recruited by Kelvin Mackenzie to launch and edit Britain’s first all-sport daily newspaper. Kelvin left a week after he started, David Montgomery took responsibilty for the project, but they disagreed over how to proceed and Mulholland left.
Media editor, The Guardian, 1994-1998
Assistant editor, Guardian arts desk, 1990-94
Production and writing duties, edited one-off magazines and sections, and wrote for the arts pages.
Deputy editor, Listings Limited, 1988-1990
Helped set up independent company providing arts and entertainment listings to, among others, The Guardian and the Mirror. During this time, he began to write for The Guardian’s arts pages.
Arts assistant, London Daily News, 1988
Arts assistant, The Independent, 1987-1988
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