Fowler to leave Western Mail

Fowler: surprise resignation

Neil Fowler is to quit the editorship of the Western Mail. He will be replaced by Wales on Sunday editor Alun Edmunds in September. Fowler’s surprise resignation on Wednesday followed eight years in the chair. For nine months last year he was joint managing director of the company covering for the secondment of the then managing director .

Fowler said: "It is sad to be leaving but eight years in a pressurised and high profile role like this is enough for anyone. I leave the paper in the most profitable and stable condition in its history, which I think is a reasonable achievement.

"I have built up many contacts and links in my 17 years as an editor and I now look forward to converting those into a new direction to my career."

As well as editing the Mail, Fowler has been in the chair of The Journal, Newcastle, the Lincolnshire Echo and the Derby Evening Telegraph. In 1999/2000 he was the national president of the Society of Editors.

Dye said of Fowler: "I want to thank Neil for his efforts as the editor of one of our leading titles. He has been a terriific ambassador for this company and has represented it with professionalism and distinction.

"His drive and commitment have been excellent and have contributed greatly to the success of the company."