An editor has said farewell to a regional publisher for a second time after deciding to return to his public relations work.

Robert Lloyd has announced his departure from Reach plc, where he had most recently served as senior story editor and print content editor working on South Wales titles including the Western Mail, South Wales Echo and South Wales Evening Post.

Robert, pictured, previously edited the Carmarthen Journal and Llanelli Star when they were owned by Reach forerunner Northcliife, before leaving in 2008 to launch his own media consultancy company.

He returned to the regional press to take on his most recent role in 2019.

Robert, 64, told HTFP: “I dipped out of print at the age of 50 to start a PR and media consultancy.

“Four years ago, Jonathan Roberts, editor of the Evening Post, persuaded me I might have more to give the world of newspapers.

“It was a great decision as I have thoroughly enjoyed being back at the print coalface.

“Now, however, it is time for a more relaxed approach to working.

“I’ve resumed part-time work with my PR and media consultancy, but I will still be scribbling a regular weekly column for the South Wales Evening Post and a music column for the Journal and Star.

“I will also still be wearing an editor’s hat of sorts – I am in charge of the Llanelli Talking Newspaper for the Blind.

“It’s semi-retirement, with Mrs Lloyd having the final say on the amount of hours I work each week.”

Robert began his career on the Journal 46 years ago and also served as deputy editor of the Evening Post before taking up the editorship of the Journal and the Star.

He has also spent time as station manager and head of news at Bay TV Swansea.

His departure is not connected to the recently-announced cuts at Reach, which has seen a number of senior editorial figures leave the company.