Two regional dailies have unveiled their first dedicated editors in four years after a restructure by their publisher.

Natalie Sadler has been appointed to the editorship of the Ipswich Star, while Richard Porritt takes up the same role at the Norwich Evening News.

Natalie has been promoted after serving as Archant’s head of news and digital editor in Suffolk, while Richard moves up from being the company’s business and politics editor.

HTFP reported earlier this month how the two titles were set to get their own dedicated editors for the first time since 2017 as part of a recruitment drive launched by the publisher.

Natalie Sadler and Richard Porritt

Natalie said: “I am very excited about this new opportunity, and to be the first woman to take on the role of editor of the Ipswich Star.

“The Star has always been the voice of Ipswich and is a much-loved brand in the town.

“I want to ensure it continues to represent the people of Ipswich and hold those in power to account.”

Richard added: “I am determined that the paper will fight hard for Norwich without fear or favour.

“The Evening News will never compromise on quality and we will make it our mission to speak truth to power on behalf of the people of this fine city. And, I am sure, there will be plenty of fun as well.”

The Star last had its own dedicated editor between 2016 and 2017, before Brad Jones added the EADT to his portfolio following the retirement of Terry Hunt.

The situation mirrored that of the Evening News, where David Powles served as its dedicated editor before taking on the EDP too following the departure of Nigel Pickover.

A dozen editorial roles have been created in total as part of Archant’s new drive, which will see Archant take on more than 70 new employees in total.

Archant chief content officer Jeremy Clifford said: “I’m delighted to announce that Natalie and Richard have been appointed to these exciting new roles.

“The decision to bring back the editor roles for two of our daily titles goes to the heart of our strategy of ensuring we have a laser focus on the quality of content we serve up to our readers.

“Richard has spoken passionately about his desire for the Norwich Evening News to fight hard on behalf of its readers. Natalie wants the Ipswich Star to have a campaigning voice and fight the corner for Ipswich.

“By having editors responsible for working with journalists on these titles, we will create a different identify for them, enabling more of a diversification between the daily and the regional titles.”