One of the longest-serving editors in the local press is taking early retirement next month.

Mike Wilson has been with the Chesterfield-based Derbyshire Times for over 24 years, spending the first two of those as deputy editor before stepping up to the top job.

The 63-year-old says he plans to spend plenty of time in his second home, in Charente, western France, which he bought three years ago.

He told HTFP: “This is something I have been considering for a while, since I bought my home in France.

“I will miss working with a fantastic team of reporters and sub-editors who have been great and allowed me to sleep at night.

“When you’ve been an editor for 22 years it will always have a place in my heart, it’s been part of my life for so long.

“Some of the highlights were that we won a couple of BT awards for newspaper of the year and some of my journalists won major awards.

“It’s always pleasing when your staff and their talents are recognised.”

He said his decision to take early retirement was not made as a result of recent changes to Johnston Press’ papers in the region which include centralising subbing in Sheffield and the introduction of the new Atex content management system.

Mike added that he felt he was “going out on a high” as the Times is approaching the end of its ‘Get Active, Get a Life!’ campaign, which is being run with Derbyshire Primary Care Trust to promote healthy lifestyles and better eating among its readers.

He said: “Heart disease rates are quite high in this part of Derbyshire and obesity levels are set to rise quite quickly. It’s been nice to be involved and go out on a high.”

Johnston Press chief operating officer Danny Cammiade said: “I spent part of my early career at the Derbyshire Times and saw first hand Mike’s commitment to his staff, the newspaper and the local communities.

“He will be particularly remembered for developing young reporters, many of whom have moved on to successful careers in regional newspapers and the wider media industry.

“Mike will be a hard act to follow and we are extremely grateful for his contribution over years.”

Mike is due to finish at the paper on 9 April and so far no plans have been announced for appointing his successor.

Comments

Nick Hudson (25/03/2010 11:12:34)
One of the industry’s nice guys whose design skills and attention to detail will be sadly missed at the Times, as it was in the latter days of the Nuneaton Evening Tribune. You’ve earned your rest, Mike. Bon voyage for your retirement.

Colin Short (25/03/2010 15:58:56)
Bonne Retraite, Mecot. Tu la merites.

Rob Hill (26/03/2010 12:19:11)
Mike is up there with the very best editors I have ever worked with. Always a pleasure to deal with and he has done so much to help the careers of young reporters.
Best wishes for a very happy retirement.