The editor of three former dailies who went on to become a regional publisher’s training chief is to take early retirement after four decades in the industry.
David Rowell, left, head of editorial learning and development at Johnston Press, has announced he will leave the company at the end of June.
It brings to an end a regional press career of nearly 42 years, during which he edited the Peterborough Evening Telegraph, Northampton Chronicle and Echo and the Northants Evening Telegraph, while they were all still daily titles.
He moved into his current role at JP in 2004 and since then has taught hundreds of journalists during his time in the position.
David is also a member of the JP editorial board and a board member of the National Council for the Training of Journalists.
Two years ago he was presented with the organisation’s Chairman’s Award for his services to journalism training.
Said David: “I have enjoyed every moment of my time in journalism and the challenges that the industry has faced over the years.
“I will be sad to leave, but it is the right time to start the next chapter in my life.”
David began working as a reporter on the Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian and, after qualifying as a senior reporter, moved to Peterborough.
He also enjoyed a four-year spell as head of training for Emap, which owned the three titles he had edited before they were bought by Johnston Press.
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For years about the only member of the JP senior management team worthy of widespread respect for his ability and integrity. Enjoy your retirement, David – and I will look forward to buying you a pint at The Blue Bell, in Glinton, should our visits ever coincide.
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Don’t know him but sounds like a top bloke who the industry needs to stick around. I hope the “early retirement” is his decision and not some pointless suit’s with a spreadsheet. Good luck to you, sir.
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Very best wishes for a long and happy retirement. I’m sure you will soon adjust to a more relaxed and stress free lifestyle. One of the good guys.
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Indeed, one of the good guys. Best wishes, David.
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A top bloke I thoroughly enjoyed training with. Early retirement is the best move of your life, David!! Enjoy . . .
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Always enjoyed working with you on NCTJ duties. Wonder if they’ll now get you marking papers! Have a happy retirement.
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Happy retirement David, you got me through my NCE, thanks for all your support!
Bets wishes for the future
Lisa Bradley x
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Good luck David. It was a pleasure to work with you. And it was always nice to have someone who has been around even longer than me. Enjoy your retirement and if you ever venture south of Northampton I will buy you a pint.
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All the best for the future David. Seems a long time ago I was working for you!!
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Good luck, David. He was always very supportive of editors – and has a great fund of stories from his own time as editor. All the very best, and thanks…
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Happy retirement from the circulation Department that was in West Norfolk.
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Remember the old days at Harlow Tech, when we took our mini cars (your Cooper and my knackered 850) up to Villa Park for the Man U game? We ferried a total of 13 blockies there and back…though you only made it as far as St Albans – where your axle snapped.
Enjoy your retirement, mate.
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I once had photoshop training with David. Can’t remember much about photoshop but he was a great guy. Exactly the sort of person we miss most in the regional press.
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If there are any journalists left to train in the wider world, this is the man to do the job. JP’s loss will be someone else’s gain. Good luck David!
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One of a dwindling number of industry leaders who knows what he’s talking about – because he’s been there and commands the respect. Very best wishes for the future, David.
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Good time to go. I think he would be disappointed if he saw the low level of supervision, story checking and on job training for recruits now because so many older people have quit.
He deserves the best retirement.
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Not often you see a public declaration of pint buying from Peter Sands so you should get in quick, David! It’s been a pleasure all these years and hope to still see you at NCTJ events and even at the Abax (?!) when the mighty promoted Shrimpers visit next season. Cheers, your pal Al
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As well as being good at his job, David is one of the nicest guys I’ve met in journalism. Hope he has a long and happy retirement.
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All the very best David. Great to have worked with you over the years – remember first meeting at Darlington College. Enjoy your retirement.
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It would be instructive to see in future if the departure of any managing director, anywhere in the country, attracts comments of this type, and in anything approaching this volume.
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Best wishes David – welcome to the real world!
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