Richard Williams is to become the new editor of the South Wales Echo.

Currently editor-in-chief of the Evening Leader in Wrexham, he will succeed Alastair Milburn, who announced plans to launch his own media and PR agency earlier this year.

Before joining the Evening Leader in January 2003, Richard, (36), had worked for Trinity Mirror – publisher of the South Wales Echo – for 12 years.

He began his career as a trainee news reporter at the Daily Post and Liverpool Echo in 1989 and was later appointed news editor at the Daily Post before joining Wales on Sunday in the same role in 1995.

A move back to the Daily Post saw him take on the role of assistant editor before becoming deputy editor in 1999.

Richard said: “I am delighted to be joining the South Wales Echo and returning to Cardiff and Trinity Mirror.

“As a Welshman, it will give me great pride to be editing my capital city’s evening newspaper.

“I look forward to building on the work done by Alastair Milburn and the team over the past few years and developing the Echo’s well-known reputation for good journalism.”

Keith Dye, managing director of Western Mail & Echo Ltd, said: “Richard is a hugely experienced and talented journalist, and the South Wales Echo can look forward to continued success under his leadership.”

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail [email protected]