Karl Holbrook, the current Editor of Newsquest’s Bolton News and Lancashire Telegraph, has been named as the new editor of The Northern Echo.
He will replace Hannah Chapman who stepped down in July to concentrate on running its sister weekly, the Darlington & Stockton Times. Chapman was the title’s first female editor, when she was appointed in 2018.
“The Northern Echo is one of the most prestigious news brands in the UK and it is an absolute honour to become only the 15th editor in 150 years. To take the reins of The Great Daily of the North is a big responsibility, especially in these strange and unpredictable times — and that is a task that I do not take on lightly,” said Holbrook.
“This brand has been at the heart of this wonderful community for generations and never has the work of the press been more important — or more scrutinised as it is today. There will be challenges ahead but my mission will be to champion the north in these most unprecedented times through quality, trusted, independent journalism that people need now more than ever and to ensure that our voices continue to be heard long into the future.”
Holbrook was named Newsquest’s Regional Group Editor for Lancashire and Greater Manchester April 2019. He spent 6 years as Head of News at the Lancashire Post and Blackpool Gazette, and prior to that was Assistant News Editor at the Telegraph & Argus.
“It has been such a privilege to be Newsquest’s group editor for Lancashire and Greater Manchester, responsible for some amazing titles.
“It seems a lifetime ago that Nick Fellows, regional managing director, took a chance on me and offered me my first editorship at The Bolton News back in 2018. I am forever indebted to him for that opportunity — even if I do have a few more grey hairs now. Since then I’ve been promoted to group editor for Lancashire and Greater Manchester, responsible for the Lancashire Telegraph, Bury Times and The Oldham Times, as well as The Bolton News,” he continued.
“During that time the hard-working staff have faced many challenges but they have always tackled them head on. It is a testament to their diligence and creativity that we have managed to grow those titles to become among the biggest and best performing in Newsquest. I will miss all the staff immensely but look forward to watching them continue to flourish in the future.”
Holbrook will start the new role in October. Newsquest said it will begin the search for his successor at The Bolton News and Lancashire Telegraph shortly.
