Ian Savage, group editor of Newsquest Lancashire and editor of The Bolton News for 10 years, is to step down from his role.
As well as editing the daily The Bolton News, Savage oversees the Bury Times Group, The Oldham Times, The Westmorland Gazette and the Messenger titles.
He will leave the role once a successor has been appointed.
Savage joined Newsquest in 1987 as a senior reporter after two years with the Bury Times Group. He worked for a year at the Manchester Evening News and then re-joined Newsquest in 1992.
He was appointed editor of the Bury Times group in 2005 and then editor in chief of The Bolton News in January 2008.
Last September he spearheaded the launch of a new weekly paid for newspaper in Oldham – The Oldham Times – following the sudden closure of the Oldham Chronicle.
Nick Fellows, managing director of Newsquest North West, said: “Ian has been an outstanding editor and senior member of the North West management team.
“He will remain in position until such time a new editor has been appointed for the Bolton business. He will retain some future involvement in the North West, providing valuable experience and editorial support.
“I would like to personally thank Ian for all his hard work and commitment and I look forward to continuing our working relationship.
“The search for a new editor for the Bolton editorial team will begin.”
Savage said: “It has been a privilege to edit my home town newspaper, the title I grew up reading. To be at the helm in 2017 which was the 150th anniversary of The Bolton News was a very proud time.
“I have been honoured to work with many talented and dedicated staff over the years in what has been a challenging and rewarding career.
“Launching The Oldham Times within three weeks of the sad closure of the Chronicle was tough but the positive response from the community has been amazing and I am proud that we have produced such a high quality newspaper and website in the title’s first six months.
“I will be sad to leave the role that has meant so much to me but I am looking forward to new opportunities. I am delighted to still be involved with The Bolton News and Newsquest going forward.”
