Press Association editor Jonathan Grun is to retire next year after 36 years with the news agency.
He will be made emeritus editor on 1 January, when a successor is expected to be appointed, and will officially retire on 22 May 2015.
Grun, 60 next year, will first be responsible for PA’s General Election coverage, the eighth he will have covered for the agency.
Grun joined PA as a news reporter in 1979 and was appointed editor in 2000.
He said: “Being editor of the Press Association has been an immense privilege and enormous fun but I think it is time to let someone else have a go.
“At a time when there is a national debate about editorial standards the Press Association can be proud that its journalists are committed to the highest standards of robust, independent, ethical journalism.
“It is a tremendous honour to be appointed Emeritus Editor and to have the opportunity to help maintain that cherished reputation.”
Grun has also been president of the Society of Editors twice.
Executive director Bob Satchwell said: “Jonathan has been a rock for the media in the UK and beyond. Every part of the media owes him a debt of gratitude for his work at the Press Association and for being a steady hand on the tiller of the Society of Editors as president twice especially during the tumultuous year of 2012/13.
“His quiet, self-effacing style hides a powerful force in UK journalism."
Clive Marshall, PA group chief executive, said: “Over his 36 years as a journalist and editor with the Press Association Jonathan has made an immeasurable contribution to the agency’s coverage of the stories that have dominated both the UK and global news agenda.
“At a time when our industry has experienced unprecedented scrutiny and criticism, Jonathan has ensured, throughout his tenure, PA has remained true to its core values of fairness, independence, impartiality and integrity.
“We all wish Jonathan a healthy and happy retirement, and I am delighted that we will continue to have access to his immense skills and expertise particularly in the support and training of our young and not so young journalists.”
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