Newsquest Scotland has appointed veteran Scottish newspaperman Donald Martin as its editor-in-chief.
Martin will return to Newsquest Scotland to lead about 200 journalists and a portfolio of titles that includes The Herald, Sunday Herald, Evening Times, The National and 23 other daily and weekly brands and associated web sites and social media.
Acting editor-in-chief Graeme Smith was also named as the 27th editor of The Herald in its 233-year history as the oldest continuously published English language paper in the world.
Smith will also deputise for Martin.
Newsquest Scotland is part of London-based Newsquest Media Group.
Newsquest Media Group’s parent company is Gannett, the largest news publisher in the United States.
Martin has been head of publishing for DC Thomson’s consumer entertainment division since October 2015.
Previously, Martin was editor-in-chief of newspapers at DC Thomson, editor of The Sunday Post, editor-in-chief of The Herald, editor of the Evening Times, editor of the Aberdeen Evening Express, deputy editor of the Cambridge Evening News and launch editor of The Edinburgh & Lothians Post.
Newsquest Scotland managing director Graham Morrison said: “Donald Martin brings a new era of flair, innovation and drive to one of the most senior editorial roles in the Scottish media.
“His strategic focus, record of success in print and digital and huge potential hold great promise for our pan-Scottish portfolio of print titles and digital products at this time of huge change in the media industry.
“He will lead talented and committed title editors, each focused on best serving readers of their individual brands. I am delighted that Graeme Smith joins that team.”
Newsquest Scotland’s editors also include Evening Times editor Graham Shields, The National editor Callum Baird and Sunday Herald editor Neil Mackay.
Martin was educated at Glasgow University and has held senior editorial posts across the UK.
He is on the board of the National Council for the Training of Journalists and was Scottish representative on the former Press Complaints Commission and president of the Society of Editors.
Martin said: “I’m delighted to be returning to newspapers and the Herald & Times.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to work with a new, ambitious management team determined to build the brands and grow the business.
“I am also excited to be leading the talented and dedicated editorial teams producing such great newspapers.
“It’s a huge portfolio of titles and I am confident that by working well together we can be even more successful.
“And from a personal point of view my wife Janie and I are looking forward to being back in Glasgow and closer to our family.”