The Independent says Henderson will join from Newsweek, where, as director of publishing & subscriptions strategy, he led the title's breaking news operation and played a key role in its subscriptions strategy. He was previously assistant editor at The Times, where he helped drive the newsroom's digital transformation, and prior to that was editor of Telegraph.co.uk.
Henderson served as world news editor for The Daily and Sunday Telegraph. He spent three years in New York, overseeing the Telegraph's US team, and was at the helm during the first Trump election. He started his career in the local press in South-West London, before spending several years in India and South-East Asia as a reporter for the Hindustan Times and as foreign correspondent for the Telegraph and The Sunday Times.
He said: “I’m really excited to be joining The Independent and working with Geordie and everyone else in the newsroom. It’s an organisation I’ve long admired, known globally for its independent, trusted journalism, its groundbreaking and impactful campaigns, and its ability to adapt successfully to an ever-changing digital news landscape.”
Merrington is currently director of AI at Mail Metro Media, leading AI innovation and adoption. She spent many years in regional media as editor and regional editor across multiple news sites, culminating in a group-wide role at Reach overseeing audience and content. Merrington started her career at the Press Association in London.
Merrington said: “I have long admired The Independent's commitment to high quality, influential digital journalism and its legacy of industry-leading innovation. In these times of unprecedented global political, economic, social and technological uncertainty, trusted journalism is more important than ever, and I am excited about the opportunity to shape the newsroom as it enters its next phase.”
The Independent says they join David Marley, The Independent’s deputy editor, and US Editor Louise Thomas on the publication’s senior editorial team as it continues its success both domestically and globally.
In 2025 The Independent claims it was the third largest UK digital newsbrand, up from fifth in 2024. While in the US The Independent became the second largest 'British born' newsbrand behind the Guardian in 2025, replacing the Daily Mail from 2024.
Editor-in-Chief Geordie Greig said: “Both Barney and Jacqui bring a wealth of digital experience grounded in serious journalism. They will complement our outstanding newsroom and editors and help us continue to innovate and lead the way in marrying journalism with industry-leading digital strategy.”
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