Newsquest has appointed Gavin Foster as its new Editor for Darlington-based regional title The Northern Echo.
As the current Editor of Newcastle-based Reach title ChronicleLive, Foster takes over the role of Group Editor from Karl Holbrook. Holbrook recently announced he is set to take up a new role as Executive Editor of the Daily Express at the end of March.
Prior to leading ChronicleLive, Foster held senior editorial management roles with Johnston Press in Sunderland and Hartlepool.
Foster, who lives in County Durham, said: “I’m thrilled and excited to be appointed Group Editor at Newsquest in the North East.
“It’s been an honour to be Editor of ChronicleLive and to help lead a brilliant team. I am hugely grateful to Reach, in particular Helen Dalby, for giving me the opportunity and for her continued support and encouragement throughout.”
David Coates, Regional Managing Director for Newsquest (North), added: “We were very fortunate to have an abundance of excellent applicants for the role but Gavin’s experience and ambition for The Northern Echo shone though in our discussions.
“His track record in building digital audience in his current role is as equally impressive to the breadth and depth of his news management experience. I am delighted that Gavin has accepted the job and very much look forward to him joining our team.”
