Changes in Reuters editorial management ranks

Reuters editor in chief David Schlesinger announced this weekend a number of changes in the top ranks of the wire service’s upper editorial management, including a promotion for Americas managing editor Betty Wong.

In a memo Schlesinger wrote, “Betty Wong is appointed Global Head of Editorial Operations as she takes on several additional responsibilities effective June 1. She will advise me on operations and convene the managing editors to execute and deliver editorial plans with quality and efficiency. She is responsible for the development of people and technology globally.”

In addition, political and general news editor Paul Holmes is leaving the company. Sean Maguire is named acting politics and general news editor effective June 1, and Reuters will advertise for someone to fill the position permanently.

Treasury editor Jim Taft is becoming a columnist, and Schlesinger said that Reuters will begin interviews for a replacement soon. In addition, the company will be seeking a new equities editor as Mary Ellen Barker has been asked by Schlesinger to “be the editorial representative on work streams as planning for regulatory approval of the Thomson-Reuters deal and integration move forward.”

Added Schlesinger: “The changes mix continuity and the opportunity for significant change – these are exciting and testing times for editorial and I look forward to many applications for open posts.

“Even without the recent announcement about our own company’s future, these have been times of tumultuous change in our profession and in the industries we serve. All of us in editorial have to think about how we can embrace change and be really creative and innovative in taking news forward.”