An editorial chief has left a regional publisher to take up a senior role with a national newspaper.

Sofia Delgado has said farewell to Newsquest, where she has served head of new digital platforms and tools for the past year.

Sofia, pictured, has joined Metro as the free daily’s deputy head of audience.

She began her new job last Monday.

Sofia told HTFP: “I’m incredibly excited to get started with the audience team at Metro, one of the fastest growing news brands in the UK.

“The team has made very successful changes in the last year and I’m certain more exciting things are coming under [Metro audience development editor] Emily Shackleton’s guidance.

“After a week resting between jobs, I’m keen to be hands-on again.”

Sofia moved to the UK from Argentina 12 years ago and studied journalism at Kingston University and worked for titles including the Daily Express and Build It magazine before joining Newsquest in March 2020.

She initially regional audience and content editor at titles including the Oxford Mail and Swindon Advertiser before taking up her most recent role last August.

During her time in the post, Sofia has been responsible for the trials, strategy and deployment of use of new digital tools across Newsques, as well as managing special editorial projects.

In a farewell Twitter post, she thanked Newsquest’s digital content, social and audience manager Peter Grant and editorial director Toby Granville for giving her a “dream job”.

Sofia said: “A massive thanks for the opportunity then, and ever since, to allow me to continue growing professionally.

“Newsquest and the central digital team are really where I’ve felt heard and valued in the journalism industry.

“A place where what made me ‘different’ actually meant bringing value to the table instead of having it dismissed.

“Working with such talented people and in a highly collaborative team has made me a better professional. I’ve learned so much from all of you, I couldn’t have asked for a better core team.”

Sofia also served on Newsquest’s diversity and inclusion committee during her time with the company.

She added: “At its infancy still, this team is working on great things that I have no doubt will help the industry become a better place too – for more of us to be included.”