Chris Blackhurst appointed Editor of The Independent

Independent Print Limited (IPL) today announces the appointment of Chris Blackhurst as Editor of the Independent.

Blackhurst joins The Independent from his award-winning role as City Editor and columnist on the London Evening Standard. He was previously Deputy Editor of The Independent, Independent on Sunday and Daily Express. Before that he was Westminster Correspondent of The Independent for four years and also a member of The Sunday Times Insight investigations team.

"Returning to The Independent as Editor is very exciting," Blackhurst said. "I've always had huge affection and regard for the staff there and the quality journalism they produce. The last nine years on the Evening Standard have been tremendously enjoyable. I am grateful to Evgeny Lebedev for giving me the chance now to take The Independent forward."

Earlier this year Blackhurst was named Best City Editor by the London Press Club.

Evgeny Lebedev, Chairman of IPL, said: "I am very pleased to appoint Chris Blackhurst, whose talent, vision and energy will bring a new perspective to The Independent. I am confident he will make a distinct difference and strengthen the paper."

Simon Kelner today steps down as editor of the Independent and i. He remains as Editor-in-Chief but will have no day-to day involvement with the papers. In addition to winning numerous awards on behalf of the newspaper, Kelner spearheaded the Independent's move from broadsheet to compact size and was instrumental in the launch of i, Britain’s first and only concise quality newspaper.

Lebedev paid tribute to the achievements of Kelner at The Independent: “Simon’s contribution to the Independent over the past 13 years has been considerable. Many of the best things that have happened at The Independent have been down to him."

Andrew Mullins, Managing Director of IPL, said: “Simon is one of a kind. He is an astonishing creative energy and force. IPL will be a very different place without him as Editor, but I very much look forward to working closely with Chris.”