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Guardian announces changes to senior editorial team

Guardian editor-in-chief Katharine Viner yesterday announced a series of appointments to the Guardian’s senior editorial team, including a new deputy editor.

Guardian announces changes to senior editorial team
Owen Gibson

Owen Gibson, currently head of national news, becomes deputy editor, responsible for day-to-day digital output; the Monday-Friday paper; reader relationships including membership; investigations; production; and sport. Owen will sit on the Guardian News & Media executive committee.

Caspar Llewellyn Smith, currently editor of the Guardian’s digital platforms, becomes director of digital strategy, leading the ongoing digital transformation of the Guardian and Observer; digital strategy; new product development; and editorial innovation.

Nick Hopkins, currently head of investigations, becomes executive editor, news. Nick will be responsible for national news; international news; financial news; science and environment; and data journalism.

Kira Cochrane, currently head of features, becomes executive editor, features. Kira will be responsible for all digital features output; G2 Monday-Friday; the Saturday paper; arts; and lifestyle.

Paul Lewis becomes head of investigations.

Anushka Asthana becomes editor-at-large. Anushka will continue to present the Guardian’s daily news podcast, Today in Focus.

Owen, Nick, Kira and Caspar join managing editor Jan Thompson and Katharine Viner in the Guardian’s executive editorial team.

Guardian editor-in-chief Katharine Viner said: “I am delighted to appoint this new leadership team for the Guardian. Owen, Nick, Kira and Caspar are outstanding journalists and editors, each with a deep understanding of the Guardian and our readers. As we enter a new decade, this team will bring fresh stories, ideas and innovations across the whole of the Guardian.”

All appointments take effect in January 2020, when the Guardian’s current deputy editor Paul Johnson will retire after 40 years with the Guardian.