He was appointed editor in 2011 and has led the newspaper through a time of great change, including a major development of its digital service and huge increase in its web audience, says Local World.
Richard said: “I have loved every minute of my time on the Mercury and feel immensely proud and privileged to have had the opportunity to edit such a great title and serve such a great city as Leicester.
“It’s been a tough decision to leave a job which I’ve enjoyed so much, but I believe that this is the right time for me to move on and seek a new challenge.
“The team in Leicester is outstanding and I would like to thank them all for their loyalty, support and commitment to the paper.”
David Simms, Publisher & Managing Director at the Leicester Mercury, said: “Under Richard’s editorship the Mercury has been a vibrant and influential part of Leicester life.
“He has been a passionate ambassador for our business – he’s been a positive influence across the region, and proud of the newspapers/web sites he’s worked on.
“He has recently driven plans for a new Saturday and weekend edition which will launch later this month and we’ve been working together on plans to boost other days of the week. We wish him all the best in the future.”
Replacing Richard Bettsworth as Editor of the Leicester Mercury is Kevin Booth.
Kevin has edited regional dailies since September, 2000, when he took the reins of the Peterborough Evening Telegraph.
Three years later, he was appointed editor of the York Evening Press where in 2004 he led the switch from broadsheet to compact. In 2007, his paper won a clutch of industry awards after its campaign on child abduction brought about a change in the law.
He has also worked on the Derby Telegraph, Stoke Sentinel, Bristol Post and Birmingham Mail.
More recently, he has been at the helm of the Burton Mail which, in last year’s ABCs, was the best performing title in England, says Local World.
Kevin said: “I am delighted to have been offered the opportunity to edit the Leicester Mercury.
“The last five years in Burton have been extremely rewarding, with the paper continually punching above its weight both in terms of its newspaper sales performance and its campaigning stance.
“Our success in last year’s ABCs was down to the hard work and commitment of a small, but dedicated team and the fact the sales trend has continued this year is clear evidence it was no fluke.
“However, the chance to edit the Mercury is one I can’t resist. I am genuinely excited by the prospect of working with its staff to grow its online and print audience and further enhance its role in the wider community.”
Kevin will start his new role on 8th September 2014. Further announcements will be made in due course about Kevin’s successor in Burton.
