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Editorial director who ran weeklies leaves regional publisher after 41 years

Jean MacQuarrieAn editorial director has left a regional publisher after 41 years of service.

Jean MacQuarrie has left JPIMedia, where she was most recently editor-in-chief of the company’s Yorkshire weeklies and also served as an editorial director on its board.

Jean, pictured, had edited the Harrogate Advertiser series since 1988.

Her departure comes after a number of the titles in her portfolio, including the Advertiser, took on new dedicated editors as part of a localisation drive by the company’s new owner National World.

Jean told the Advertiser: “I am proud to have been able to play an important part of bringing trusted news to our communities over the years.

“It has also been important to me for a local editor to be part of the community as well, and I thoroughly enjoyed working with individuals and organisations to promote and support the town and district.”

Jean cited her career highlights as the Advertiser being named, on various occasions, Yorkshire, RIM, Johnston Press and JPIMedia weekly newspaper of the year, and helping to support the career aspirations of many young journalists.

She also had tea with the Queen and once showed Princess Diana around the Advertiser’s newsroom.

Jean added: “Above all I hope I have helped to make people’s voices heard, and tried to make a difference.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my career with JPIMedia and I am grateful for all the opportunities I have been given.

“I wish the company and my colleagues – and everyone in the Harrogate district – every success now and in the future.”