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Mail comeback for former regional editor

A new editor has been appointed for the Burton Mail and associated weekly titles.

Kevin Booth is currently deputy head of production at Northcliffe’s new centralised subbing operation, based in Stoke-on-Trent, a role he has been performing since March. He will take over at the Iliffe News and Media daily on 28 September.

Kevin’s first editorship was in 2001 at the Evening Telegraph, Peterborough, and was followed three years later by the editor’s job at York-based daily The Press.

He left the Newsquest title after a major shake-up saw three senior management roles reduced to one.

During his tenure in York, Kevin led the title’s change from broadsheet to compact format and the switch from same-day to overnight printing.

In 2007, The Press picked up the award for national campaigning newspaper of the year after it brought about a change in the law on child abduction.

Kevin has also previously worked for Bristol Evening Post, The Sentinel, Stoke, Derby Telegraph and Birmingham Mail.

He said: “I’m delighted to be joining Staffordshire Newspapers Ltd and returning to the editor’s chair.

“I’m very impressed with the company’s commitment to local newspapers and look forward to the challenge of taking the Burton Mail forward.

“I have some significant and exciting plans for the newspaper, its website and associated titles, but obviously prefer to outline them to staff before speaking publicly.”

Steve Lowe, group editor in chief for Iliffe News and Media Central, said: “Kevin will bring us the vision and the experience to take the Burton Mail, associated titles and the website, forward, where they are not just good but the best.

“This appointment also demonstrates Iliffe’s commitment to regional newspapers and getting the news out to the communities they serve.”

Comments

Ready for change (07/09/2009 13:41:43)
Newsquest and Northcliffe’s loss is definitely Iliffe’s gain. This is an incredible coup for Staffordshire Newspapers and just what is needed to bring SNL into the 21st century. Bringing in fresh blood with new ideas is what is needed at the stagnant, tired, boring, poor value-for-money Burton Mail, a title which should be award winning, and can be under Kevin Booth’s leadership. Exciting times for all involved.

A source said (07/09/2009 13:50:15)
While I don’t know Kevin Booth, and he may well be a miracle worker, I don’t think he could do a great deal better than the present acting editor and former news editor Andy Parker. Andy’s local knowledge is totally comprehensive, his news judgements almost matchless and his enthusiasm boundless. He deserved to keep the editor’s chair

The voice of reason (07/09/2009 14:17:39)
And the latest ABC figures certainly back that up….

The voice of sanity (07/09/2009 15:19:08)
The Burton Mail’s circulation has been falling for too long now and the present acting editor certainly hasn’t done anything to help that. I wish Kevin all the best in his future role and hope for great things for the Mail in the future.

FAST WOMAN (07/09/2009 15:59:13)
Kevin – that sounds a great job and I wish you the best of luck on your return to a proper editorship. I’m sure that being deputy head of a centralised subbing op is an important role, but nothing beats leading an editorial team on a good paper. Enjoy!

MR BOOT (08/09/2009 09:24:18)
Oh bloody crikey!

Time for a change (08/09/2009 12:50:31)
Delighted to see that the majority of comments on Kevin Booth’s appointment are positive. I think he will find some committed people in the work force who will relish a challenge.

Nelson’s Column (08/09/2009 16:45:21)
Good on yer Boothie!! Delighted to hear you’re back in the editor’s chair.