Newsquest chief executive Paul Davidson stepped down this week after 13 years at the top of the UK’s second biggest regional newspaper publisher (although he is continuing in the role of chairman).
Over that time Press Gazette has written many stories about Newsquest – some of them controversial. There have been many strikes as, like every regional newspaper publisher, Newsquest has cut staff. There has also been the long post recession pay freeze and the ongoing controversy over moving sub-editors hundreds of miles to remote factory-style hubs.
Any press inquiries we have ever made to Newsquest head office have been directed to the chief executive’s office. On dozens of occasions we have been told that he is not available to talk to us but have been invited to leave a message.
He has never once responded to a question from Press Gazette either via email or telephone – even to politely decline to comment.
Good luck to new chief executive Henry Faure Walker who takes over this week.
Here is a somewhat cheeky musical tribute we have put together for Mr Davidson.
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