Sun editor Rebekah Wade to become chief executive of News International

(rex)

Rebekah Wade, the editor of The Sun, is to become chief executive of News International, it was announced today.

From September 1, she will assume responsibility for the day-to-day operations of all five of the company's UK newspapers: The Sun, The Times, The Sunday Times, News of the World and thelondonpaper.

Wade, the first woman to edit The Sun, has been at the paper's helm for more than six years, after a three-year stint editing the News of the World.

A new editor of The Sun will be announced later in the summer, according to a statement from News Corporation.

Wade said she was honoured to accept the post.

"Our titles are among the best in the world thanks to an unrelenting focus on high quality journalism that connects with its readers," she said.

"At such a crucial time for the newspaper industry, I am honoured to have the opportunity to work with the exceptional team here and believe that we have an exciting future."

The role of chief executive at News International is a new one. Since the departure of executive chairman Les Hinton in December 2007, senior executive decisions have been made by James Murdoch, parent company News Corporation's chairman and chief executive for Europe and Asia.

Wade will continue to report to James Murdoch, who will also become News International's executive chairman on September 1.

Rupert Murdoch, the chairman and chief executive of News Corporation, said: "Rebekah is a great campaigning editor who has worked her way up through the company with an energy and enthusiasm that reflects true passion for newspapers and an understanding of the crucial contribution that independent journalism makes to society.

"Her promotion reflects the importance of journalism to this business.

"News International has set a clear course, having reinvented itself with a new commercial structure and a commitment to investing in its journalism to deliver market share gains.

"I am confident that we have the right team to lead News International as we develop a new model for our industry.

"Personally, I'm thrilled that Rebekah's energetic leadership will be felt even more widely in the company."