Los Angeles-based agency Splash News has enticed Terry McGourty back from the Daily Mail picture desk to become its group picture editor.
And it has raided other UK newspapers and agencies for more staff.
McGourty will oversee photographic production from Splash’s offices in London, New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Toronto.
Splash co-founder Kevin Smith said: “It is a new position.
With so many photographers spread across north America, juggling them all takes a lot of skill and time.”
Joining Splash in LA along with McGourty, who worked there for three years as a photographer before going to the Mail, are reporters Jenny Watson from the Liverpool Echo, Graeme Massie from Solent News and John Higginson, who had been freelancing in London.
Reporter Gavin Wilson has joined the agency’s team in New York from Glasgow’s Centre Press Agency.
Splash has also recruited photographers Aaron St Clair from The Argus, Brighton, to be in New York and Katielee Arrowsmith from South West News for the LA office.
The staff changes, which also include internal promotions, have been made to cope with the increasing demand on the agency for showbusiness material.
To boost production, Paul Tetley has transferred from New York to LA as news editor and Nicola Pittam, currently a senior reporter, is to become features and TV editor.
By Jean Morgan
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog
