An experienced former journalist who has edited four daily newspapers in the course of his career is to become a senior partner in a PR firm.

Frank O’Donnell edited The Scotsman, the Edinburgh Evening News, the Press & Journal, the Evening Express and Scotland on Sunday during a 28-year stint in the Scottish press.

He stood down as editor of the P&J in February this year after being told his job was among 100 editorial roles under threat in cuts announced by publisher DC Thomson.

Now he joining Edinburgh-based strategic communications consultancy, Charlotte Street Partners to take up the role of senior partner.

Frank O’Donnell, left, with Charlotte Street founding partner Malcolm Robertson.

Edinburgh-born Frank, who will take up his new role on 8th January 2024, has been the recipient of more than 50 individual and team awards under his leadership, most recently when the P&J was named newspaper of the year at the Scottish Press Awards in 2022.

He is a former member of the Scottish Newspaper Society Editors’ Committee and the IPSO Editors’ Code of Practice Committee.

Malcolm Robertson, founding partner of Charlotte Street Partners, said: “Frank has had a brilliant career to date and, in recent years, has become one of the most articulate and influential voices in the UK media sector as it navigates the transition into digital publishing.

“We are delighted that Frank is bringing all that expertise and his unique perspectives to the team and to the work we do with our clients.”

Frank added: “I have long admired Charlotte Street Partners as a business and am really pleased to be joining the team as they prepare to celebrate the firm’s tenth birthday next year.

“Over the past decade, the company has earned an excellent reputation for providing insightful advice and practical support married with impeccable client service.

“I’m really enthused by the vision for the next chapter under Malcolm’s leadership and the opportunity to be part of that.

“I hope my background as a storyteller, my knowledge of digital publishing, and my experience of leading teams will be an asset as the business – and the communications sector more broadly – continues to evolve.”