Gill Smith, editor of The Scottish Sun for the past five years, has been appointed the next editor of The US Sun. She will relocate to New York in the New Year to take up the role.
Smith succeeds Natalie Evans, who led the tabloid’s US digital operation from its launch in February 2020. Evans has departed to become a managing director at Ladbible Group.
As part of her brief, Smith will oversee a renewed push into video for the American newsroom, mirroring The Sun’s strategy in the UK, where video has become a major audience driver.
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Victoria Newton, editor-in-chief of The Sun, said Smith “brings a wealth of experience at a time when American politics continues to drive the global news agenda,” adding that she leaves the Scottish title “in brilliant health”, bolstered by accolades including Newsbrand of the Year at the Scottish Press Awards.
Smith has spent 17 years working across The Scottish Sun, holding roles including deputy editor, head of content, assistant editor, head of news and features editor before taking the top job. She also spent time at the New York Post on secondment following the 9/11 attacks.
She described leading the Scottish title as a “huge privilege” but said it was “time for a new challenge”.
“The opportunity to lead the US team, building a new emphasis on video that brings our trustworthy journalism to life and deepens our connection with audiences in America, in The Sun’s trademark style, is incredibly exciting,” she said.
The US Sun was the 34th biggest news site in the US in October, according to Similarweb, with 26 million visits — up 15% year-on-year and 29% month-on-month.
