Belfast Telegraph editor Edmund Curran has been appointed editor-in-chief of Independent News and Media’s Northern Ireland newspaper titles.

In his new role Ed, (60), will have overall editorial responsibility for the Telegraph as well as its sister titles, the Community Telegraph and Sunday Life.

The search for a new editor for the Belfast Telegraph will begin shortly and Ed will begin his new role once a successor is found.

Ed was born and educated in Belfast and has been editor of the Belfast Telegraph since 1993, having worked on the paper in different roles since 1966.

He was deputy editor of the paper from 1974 until 1988 when he was appointed launch editor of the then new Sunday Life.

He was president of the Society of Editors in 2000-2001 and is a member of the Press Complaints Commission.

Derek Carvell, managing director of Belfast Telegraph Newspapers, said: “I am delighted that Ed Curran has agreed to accept promotion to editor-in-chief of the company as he has a vast amount of newspaper experience which can only benefit the company at every level.”

Ivan Fallon, chief executive of INM (UK), said: “This is an important appointment for Independent News and Media. Ed Curran is a huge resource to Independent Newspapers, bringing invaluable experience of Northern Ireland’s political, business and social life.

“He is an enormously successful editor and is almost unparalleled in his knowledge of the newspaper industry in the province.

“His breadth of experience will bring a drive and dimension to developing our business in Northern Ireland.”