New editor for <i>The Independent</i>

Roger Alton, one of Britain's most successful newspaper editors, has been appointed editor of The Independent. He succeeds Simon Kelner, who will take over at the end of May as managing director and editor-in-chief of The Independent and The Independent on Sunday.

Mr Alton edited The Observer for nine-and-a- half years, reversing that newspaper's long decline in circulation and turning it into the best-performing title in the Sunday market, winning a series of awards including Newspaper of the Year for The Observer in 2007.

Ivan Fallon, chief executive of Independent News & Media (UK), said: "The combination of Simon Kelner and Roger Alton, perhaps the two most outstanding editors of recent years, will be formidable. Simon is one of the most innovative and imaginative newspapermen in the industry. Roger Alton is a journalist of terrific drive, experience and energy."

Mr Alton said: "I am immensely privileged to have the chance to work on The Independent, which has a terrific team of world-class writers and journalists and remains one of the best-known and most-admired media brands anywhere."

Daryl Fielding, a managing partner at Oglivy and Mather, is also joining the company as commercial director of both titles.