New post for Daily Telegraph editor contender Lewis

by Jennifer Whitehead, Brand Republic 23-Aug-06, 16:00

LONDON - The Telegraph Group has appointed William Lewis, The Daily Telegraph joint deputy editor, to the new post of managing director of editorial for the group.

Lewis had been in the running for the editor's chair at The Daily Telegraph, following the departure of Martin Newland last November, but this appointment suggests he is no longer a contender for that job.

His appointment leaves Ian MacGregor as the sole deputy editor of The Daily Telegraph. He joined in July from the London Evening Standard, where he held the same role.

John Bryant has been acting editor of the Daily Telegraph since Newland departed. He was originally hired as editor-in-chief at the Telegraph Group, a move that prompted Newland to stand down.

A company spokesperson would not comment further on the hunt for an editor beyond a statement announcing Lewis's appointment.

The statement pointed out that the editors of its titles The Daily Telegraph and the Sunday Telegraph would retain full editorial control over their newspapers and continue to report to chief executive Murdoch MacLennan.

Lewis will report to MacLennan and oversee the move of the Telegraph's editorial operations to Victoria next month. He will also work to help the company develop its digital media.

MacLennan said: "With our editorial teams now responsible for newspapers, websites, audio and video, email and text across a range of platforms, we are entering a new publishing era. Will Lewis's appointment will greatly assist us in addressing the fundamental changes taking place in our industry."

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