Alton to replace Kelner as Independent editor
Roger Alton has finally been confirmed as the next editor of The Independent, as reported by mad.co.uk last month, as part of a new management restructure unveiled today.
Alton, the former editor of the Observer, will replace Simon Kelner who is set to become managing director of the Independent and Independent on Sunday after nearly ten years as the paper’s editor. He will also remain involved in the content of both national titles as editor-in-chief.
The move confirms mounting speculation that Kelner was set to take over the MD role following Terry Grote’s departure earlier in the year. At the time, mad.co.uk came under heavy pressure from The Independent to change the story amid claims it was “totally incorrect”, despite off-the-record confirmation from two senior executives.
At the same time, the newspaper's commercial director Simon Barnes is leaving and his role is being filled by Ogivly and Mather managing partner Daryl Fielding.
Ivan Fallon, chief executive of INM, said: “The combination of Simon Kelner and Roger Alton, perhaps the two most outstanding editors of recent years, will be formidable. Between them, they have won just about every award in the business.
"Simon is one of the most innovative and imaginative newspapermen in the industry, and he will now head a talented new team which will take The Independent into a major new and exciting phase.
“Roger Alton is a journalist of terrific drive, experience and energy, who has been instrumental in reviving the fortunes of The Observer, and the awards he has received over the past few years are ample testament to his journalistic skill."
Commenting on Fielding's new role, Kelner said: “I am delighted that we have been able to recruit Daryl, who will bring to The Independent titles new thinking, a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience in the advertising industry. We already have a commercial department that punches above its weight, but under Daryl’s leadership, I believe we can achieve even more success.”
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