Evening Star editor Nigel Pickover is set to be the next president of the Society of Editors.

Nigel has enjoyed a 35-year career in newspapers and has been in the hot seat at the Ipswich daily since 1996.

The Society’s board of directors unanimously nominated Nigel for the role and he will take over from Sky News’ Simon Bucks if members approve the proposal at November’s AGM.

Nigel will be the 11th president and his tenure will take in the Society’s tenth anniversary celebrations next April.

He said: “The Society of Editors has become one of the most successful and potent campaigning groups in the media industry, fighting for journalists across a range of important platforms.

“Across our industry, from TV and radio, to national titles and the smallest weekly, and on to a host of exceptional branded websites, there has never been a more exciting time to be a journalist.

“It will be my job to continue enjoying and exploiting the spirit of journalism’s new age – and I’m so delighted I can help spread the message of hope and inspiration and to tell people audiences are growing not dwindling.”

Nigel began his career at 17 as a trainee on The Star, in Sheffield, where he also worked as a crime reporter and sub-editor, before moving on to the newsdesk.

He also subbed on the Daily Mail before joining the Daily Express, in Manchester, where he was promoted to deputy chief sub within 18 months.

When the Express group closed its Manchester operation, Nigel joined the Yorkshire Evening Press, in York, before moving to Ipswich in 1994 as deputy editor.

The paper has won countless awards including Campaign of the Year at this year’s EDF Energy East of England Media Awards.

In the wake of the Suffolk prostitute murders, the Evening Star launched Somebody’s Daughter to raise funds for a women’s safe house and rehab centre in the town.

Simon Bucks said: “Nigel has a proven track record as an editor and has been a fearless fighter on media freedom issues during his time on our board of directors.

“Along with editors across the media, he is leading the charge towards multiplatform news operations.

“Coverage of the Ipswich prostitute murders and subsequent court case was top notch – on newsprint, on the website and via mobiles.”

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