Western Morning News editor Alan Qualtrough is the latest senior Northcliffe editor to leave the company.
He leaves after seven years as editor of the title, and he spent four years before that as editor of sister daily the Plymouth Evening Herald.
He said: ‘I have been immensely proud to work for Northcliffe Media and make a real difference to some of the communities I served.
‘It has been a privilege to work with such a professional and talented editorial team who helped me transform the Western Morning News into one of the best performing titles in Northcliffe.
‘The Western Morning News has been deeply rooted in West Country communities and traditions and has campaigned hard for them and long may this continue.”
Northcliffe South West managing director Andrew Blair, Managing Director said: ‘Alan leaves the Western Morning News in a very healthy state, with one of the best circulation performances in the industry. We are grateful for his contribution to the business and wish him well in his future endeavours”.
Earlier this month it was announced that editor-in-chief of Northcliffe Media subsidiary Cornwall and Devon Media Andy Cooper was leaving after 17 years.
Last month it was announced that Nottingham Post editor Malcolm Pheby was standing down after six years in the role. Other Northcliffe departures in the last year include the Lincolnshire Echo’s Jon Grubb, Leicester Mercury’s Keith Perch, John Meehan from the Hull Daily Mail and Mark Astley from the Exeter Express & Echo.
According to one Northcliffe source, the spate of senior editorial departures may be linked to an impending reduction in the redundancy terms on offer.
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