WSJ names Seib executive Washington editor

Wall Street Journal editor Gerard Baker sent out the following announcement on Thursday:

Like presidential nominating conventions, primary elections and State of the Union addresses, Jerry Seib is a defining feature of the American political landscape. For more than three decades, Jerry has reported, analyzed and explained the eddies and currents of our political life better than anyone. Online, in print, on screen and at public events, his wisdom and insight have enriched Journal readers’ understanding of national politics. For the last six years, and for the second time in his distinguished career, Jerry has been our Washington bureau chief, managing and inspiring our team of reporters and editors in the nation’s capital, and driving coverage of some of the biggest news stories. With unmatched energy, he is currently leading his troops through one of the most turbulent and unpredictable election campaigns of modern times and we are all wiser and better informed as a result.

Next January, as we inaugurate a new president, Jerry will inaugurate a new, equally important and productive phase of his stellar career as he moves over to become Executive Washington Editor and Chief Commentator. In this new role Jerry will continue to write the Capital Journal column, as well as broader commentary on US foreign policy and international relations. He will contribute occasional news analyses, and help to write and extend the reach of the Capital Journal Daybreak newsletter. He will expand his role in our events and conferences business and in our video output. He will of course remain a fixture in the DC bureau and the broader paper, be a source of guidance and friendship, and become even more of a Living National Treasure. He will continue to report directly to me.

Jerry joined the Journal in 1977, moved to Washington in 1980 and then served as Middle East correspondent in 1984. He returned to Washington in 1987 to cover the White House and subsequently became chief State Department correspondent. He was successively political editor, deputy bureau chief and bureau chief. From 2007 to 2010 he was Executive Washington Editor and columnist before returning to the chief’s desk.

I will be announcing Jerry’s successor in due course, but in the meantime, please join me in thanking him for his prodigious work as bureau chief these last six years, congratulating him on his new role at the heart of our political coverage, and looking forward to the many contributions he will be making in the years ahead.

Gerry