ARCHANT Suffolk’s two daily newspaper editors have been promoted as part of a major review of the company’s editorial management in East Anglia.

Terry Hunt, editor of the East Anglian Daily Times for the past 16 years, becomes editor-in-chief of Archant’s Suffolk daily titles and will edit the EADT and Ipswich Star.

Nigel Pickover, editor of The Star since 1996 and a former President of the Society of Editors, has been appointed editor-in-chief of the company’s Norfolk daily titles and will edit the Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News.

Archant Anglia managing director Johnny Hustler said: “Nigel has been a legend in Ipswich, and will be greatly missed by the whole community – but it is a fantastic opportunity for him to take on a new role and repeat the success that he has had in Suffolk. He is relocating to Norfolk with his wife Ru.

“During his tenure on The Star the title has won consistent acclaim from the media world picking up 20 coveted Newspaper of the Year awards in 16 years for its strong campaigning stance, editorial quality and support of its local communities.

“Terry, who lives in Ipswich, is no stranger to The Star. He has edited it in the past, and already manages much of the team that contribute to its content. I am confident it will remain in safe hands and continue its work as a fearless campaigner on behalf of the town.

“These changes are made at a time when our business is evolving rapidly and new digital platforms are providing many new opportunities for us to interact with our customers.

“Both Terry and Nigel have shown great skill in this area and I am lucky to have two people with the right skills to help lead us through this evolution.”

Suffolk-born Terry, who is Britain’s longest serving daily newspaper editor, said: “It is an absolute privilege to be editor of the papers which serve my home county. It is a rare honour to edit the papers which your family has read for generations.

“I am very proud of Suffolk, and the way the county has evolved in the past few decades, without losing its special character.

“I’ve lived in Ipswich for more than 25 years, and I am very excited to have responsibility for the town’s paper again. Nigel has done a fantastic job, making The Star a powerhouse which fights for its community. I can assure readers that campaigning spirit will live on.”

Nigel said: “It has been an absolute privilege to be the editor of The Star for the last 16 years and to serve the people of Ipswich, Felixstowe and the surrounding villages.

“Of course there’s an element of sadness at leaving, but I am looking forward to new challenges – and I know I leave The Star in extremely capable hands.”

Both highly-respected regional newspaper editors, Terry and Nigel were asked to give evidence to The Leveson Inquiry into press standards.

They stressed the difference between regional titles and some sections of the national press when covering news events and its relationships with politicians and those in positions of authority.

Nigel replaces Peter Waters, editor of the EDP for the last three years, who has decided to leave the business, and Tim Williams, editor of the Norwich Evening News, who is taking up a new senior post as development editor working across Suffolk and Norfolk.

Nigel and Terry will report to Bob Crawley, recently appointed publishing director at Archant Anglia. The changes take place with immediate effect.