Ed Walker, Reach’s Audience and Content Director (Audience Delivery) is stepping down after almost 14 years with the publisher.
Lancashire-based Walker is also the founder of successful hyperlocal news-site, Blog Preston, which he set up in 2009.
At Reach, he was a key part of its senior editorial management team, leading the digital transformation of its newsrooms.
He also led several of its Live site launches and launched its Network content team and late newsdesk services – which provided regional titles with evening publishing.
“It says it all about Ed’s contribution to what is now the Live Network that there’s literally never been a regional digital operation at Reach that he hasn’t been a central part of,” said Paul Rowland, Editorial Director Live Network.
“Ed’s fingerprints are across so much of what we do today, and the huge scale of the audiences that we reach today are in no small part due to his unwavering commitment, drive and passion for local and regional digital journalism. On a personal level, I’ve worked closely with Ed since he arrived in the Cardiff office to launch a new hyperlocal news operation for Cardiff and has been a constant and trusted support, sounding board and ally over the years since. He’ll be greatly missed by many people at Reach.”
More recently he had been working on Reach’s US launch, as well as over-seeing its video and podcast strategy.
“Thank you to everyone who has made my time at Reach such an incredible experience. I have chosen to leave as it’s time for me to have a reset, both personally and professionally,” he said.
“I will always be thankful for the support, friendship, generosity and creativity my colleagues in all departments at Reach have shown over the years.
“I’ve been lucky to be able to work with dozens of newsrooms across the country throughout that time and learn from the best in the business about all the different types of journalism through good times and tough times.
“I wish everyone at Reach all the very best with the years to come and I’m looking forward to seeing what comes in the next chapter for me. I know I’ve had a first-class grounding in all things media, journalism and business to take with me from my time here.”
David Higgerson, Chief Digital Publisher added:
“Ed’s contribution to our digital journey so far can’t be overstated. From leading our first digital-only brand in Reading through to spearheading In Your Area’s first growth acceleration, Ed has helped shape the digital journalism we do across the business in so many ways.
“Whatever he chooses to do next he will be hugely successful at and I’d like to place on record our thanks for the 13 years of innovation, determination and passion for journalism he has displayed.”
His final day will be Friday, 30th June.
