Former Yorkshire Post editor Tony Watson is to join the Press Association as head of business development.

Tony, (47), edited the award-winning Yorkshire paper for 13 years, but announced his decision to step down in November.

His new role will be based at the news agency’s Howden offices in East Yorkshire.

Tony (right) will lead development of the company’s editorial products for new media and traditional markets and help strengthen relationships with its national and regional newspaper customers.

He will also develop PA’s contract publishing arm, working closely with Eric Rayner, managing director of Central Press Features, the Bristol-based agency which was acquired by PA at the end of last year.

Paul Potts, chief executive and editor-in-chief of the Press Association said: “I am delighted that Tony has agreed to join us.

“He has done an outstanding job as editor of the Yorkshire Post and with his talent and knowledge of the newspaper industry he will be a tremendous asset to PA and its customers.”

Tony first joined the Yorkshire Post as a reporter in 1984, and won several industry awards, including being named Provincial Journalist of the Year in the British Press Awards.

He moved to Granada TV’s World in Action, before returning to the Yorkshire Post in 1988 as deputy editor.

He was appointed editor the following year, becoming the 10th – and youngest – editor of the Yorkshire Post, at the age of 34.

Tony said: “I am very much looking forward to this new challenge.

“The PA has some very exciting plans for the future and I am delighted to have the opportunity of playing a key role in these developments.”

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