The editor-in-chief of two daily newspapers and two sister Sundays is stepping down after five years in a newsroom shake-up.

Stephen Rae, editor-in-chief of Independent News and Media since 2013, is leaving after a quarter of century with the publisher.

Stephen, pictured, was the senior editorial leader in a group which includes the Belfast Telegraph, the Irish Independent, the Sunday Independent and Sunday World.

He said he was leaving the role “following a transformation of the group into a digital-focused newsroom and content hub.”

Said Stephen: “During my 25 years in INM I feel greatly privileged to have worked with many extremely bright and exceptional people and to have guided the coverage on some of the biggest news stories our country has seen.

“I am now looking forward to taking on new digital projects which will focus on my core interests of developing new revenue models for journalism, along with the hugely important editorial fight against misinformation in news and media.”

It is being reported in Northern Ireland that Stephen will not be replaced and that a new head of publishing will be appointed in place of the editor-in-chief role.

INM chief exectuive Michael Doorly thanked Stephen for his contribution and said he had “provided great editorial direction” and “built a team of outstanding editors”.

In a separate development, INM has announced that Paul Connolly is stepping down from the company’s board.

Paul, who was appointed to the board as a non-executive director in 2009, will step down from 31 May.

He said: “”I would like to thank all my fellow board members and shareholders as well as the senior management team for their support and confidence in me over my nine years as a director of INM and I would like to wish the Company every success in the future.”

Chairman of INM Murdoch MacLennan, added: ‘”While I am very disappointed that Paul has decided to resign at this time, I am hugely grateful for the immense contribution he has made to the Company over a significant period of transition.

“I have valued Paul’s experience, knowledge and independent pragmatic counsel as a board member and colleague. His contribution to the board will be greatly missed”.