Daily Telegraph editor William Lewis has been made managing director, digital, of Telegraph group in a shake-up which sees his deputy Tony Gallagher become editor of the Daily Telegraph.
Lewis will retain his role as editor-in-chief of the Daily Telegraph, Sunday Telegraph and Telegraph.co.uk. But in his new role he will primarily head up a new “entrepreneurial unit” based in Euston, north London, away from Telegraph Media Group’s main Victoria HQ with a team of 50.
Lewis was previously made managing director (editorial) for a month before he was appointed Daily Telegraph editor in October 2006.
His central achievement as editor has been leading the integration of the Daily Telegraph, Sunday Telegraph and web editorial teams into one operation with a massively increased emphasis on online coverage.
Related
He joined the Telegraph in August 2005 as City editor, after three and half years at The Sunday Times, where he was business editor. He was quickly promoted to deputy editor of the Telegraph. Before joining the Sunday Times he worked at the Financial Times for eight years.
Telegraph Media Group chief executive Murdoch MacLennan said: “I am delighted that Will has taken up this vital challenge. For the last three years, he has done a first class job editing The Daily Telegraph whilst successfully integrating our print and digital editorial operations. Will also orchestrated undoubtedly the biggest story of the decade, our highlighting of the systematic abuse of MPs’ expenses.
“I believe now is the time to fast forward to the next stage of our digital transformation. Using the Telegraph’s powerful brand and reputation, Will has been charged with building a digital unit designed to capitalise on cutting edge ideas, driving new revenue streams by better serving our customers.”
Lewis said: “I am very excited by this new opportunity. As editor-in-chief I will continue to supervise the strategy and overall content of our newspapers and website, whilst working on our digital revenue streams.
“It is a tribute to our chairman, Aidan Barclay, and the Barclay family that they have invested millions of pounds in this exciting venture, which will help us rapidly expand our digital operations.”
New Daily Telegraph editor Gallagher has been deputy editor of the title since September 2007; he was previously executive head of news and edited the paper this autumn while Lewis completed the Advanced Management Programme at Harvard Business School.
Gallagher was previously news editor of the Daily Mail.
Telegraph assistant editor and chief political commentator Benedict Brogan has been promoted to deputy editor of the Daily Telegraph. Executive head of news Chris Evans is now number three on the paper.
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog
