Portadown Times editor Alistair Bushe is to take charge of the News Letter in Northern Ireland.
Bushe, who will start as editor on 1 December, replaces Rankin Armstrong, who has retired after a 44-year career in journalism.
As well as editing the Portadown Times since 2007, Bushe is also currently deputy group editor of five weekly titles in Johnston Press's Northern Ireland publishing unit.
His replacement has not yet been announced.
Bushe said: “Rankin is a hard act to follow but I’m looking forward to getting started with the very hard-working team at the News Letter, and to developing a truly multi-platform publishing operation from our redesigned newsroom in Carn.
“It is an exciting time for the News Letter and for our range of weekly titles as we begin to work together more closely than ever before in the newsroom of the future project.”
Warren Butcher, managing director of Johnston Press across the North West, Northern Ireland? and Isle of Man, said: “The standard of applications – both internal and external – was extremely high and it’s a credit to Alistair that he was successful. He’ll do a great job with this esteemed title.”
According to the News Letter, Armstrong's 44-year journalism career included 17 years as a sub-editor with the Belfast Telegraph and three years as chief sub-editor with the Irish News.
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog
