Martin Belam returns to The Guardian as social and new formats editor

Martin Belam is returning to The Guardian as social and new formats editor.

Belam developed humour website UsVsTh3m and data website Ampp3d for Trinity Mirror but left the company last year after the sites were closed for failing to make enough money.

He formerly worked for The Guardian as head of user experience.

Here is the statement from GNM:

Guardian News & Media is pleased to announce the appointment of Martin Belam as social and new formats editor.

Martin will lead the creation of an integrated social strategy for the Guardian, heading up a team who will look to experiment with how the publication reaches additional audiences using new media, as well as developing the Guardian’s award-winning journalism off-platform.

Martin’s team will work alongside the publication’s community team who will focus on community management, user generated content and the development of the Guardian’s world-leading citizen journalism platform, Guardian Witness.

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Over the last couple of years Martin worked at the Daily Mirror, helping to create UsVsTh3m, Ampp3d and Mirror Row Zed, as well as building their social content team.

He was previously at the Guardian in a design role as head of user experience, and has also worked for Sony and the BBC

Martin said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be re-joining Guardian News and Media. It’s a fabulous opportunity to look at new ways of digital storytelling and to help the Guardian reach new audiences, all backed with the kind of world-class journalism at the heart of the stories that you expect from the Guardian. I can’t wait to get started."

Mary Hamilton, executive editor, audience, Guardian News & Media, said: “We are thrilled that Martin will be joining us. A hugely talented journalist and designer, he brings with him a wealth of invaluable experience and is the perfect person to lead our new social strategy and team.”

Both the social and the community teams will form part of the Guardian's editorial audience team, led by Mary Hamilton, which manages all aspects of the publication's interaction with its audiences, incorporating moderation, reach and optimisation, as well as social media and community journalism.5