Russell named as new Herald Group editor

AN assistant editor at the Daily Record and Sunday Mail newspapers has been appointed the new editor-in-chief at The Herald group of newspapers.

Jonathan Russell is to succeed Donald Martin who is to take up the editorship at the Sunday Post.

The Herald & Times Group comprises The Herald, Sunday Herald and Evening Times newspapers.

Says their managing director, Tim Blott: “I am delighted to welcome Jonathan to the group at this exciting point in our history. He brings outstanding journalistic ability combined with a clear focus on and understanding of the needs of our print and digital readers and advertisers in a fast-moving marketplace. I wish him well in this key role.”

He added: “I would like to put on record my thanks to Donald for restructuring our news operations and putting in place the very solid foundations on which we can continue to build our successful business.”

40 year-old Russell began his career as a reporter on the Evening Express in Aberdeen and has held several senior editorial roles, including Scottish editor of the Daily Mirror and editor of the Paisley Daily Express.

He takes up his new role in the summer.

The appointment was welcomed by the Scottish Organiser at the NUJ, Paul Holleran. He told allmediascotland.com: “Jonathan Russell will be a breath of fresh air for the editorial staff at The Herald. He is a talented journalist but also a good and fair manager.”