National Post editor-in-chief Anne Marie Owens
The National Post has named its new editor, choosing Anne Marie Owens as the first woman to hold the top editorial job at the newspaper.
Ms. Owens is a familiar figure in the newsroom. She was part of the Post's first team of reporters when it launched in 1998 and has years of experience at the newspaper having held roles including managing editor of news and news features editor. Most recently she was deputy editor at Maclean's magazine.
"Anne Marie is deeply grounded in the editorial DNA of the National Post," said Gerry Nott, the National Post's senior vice-president, in a statement. "Her time away has given her an even deeper insight into how to enhance what is truly a unique and compelling news product."
She will be the first woman to hold the editor-in-chief position at a national Canadian newspaper, according to Postmedia Network Inc. When she begins her new role on June 9, Ms. Owens will report to Mr. Nott, who has served as interim editor-in-chief since previous editor Steve Meurice left the paper on March 20.
At Maclean's, Ms. Owens oversaw all operations including new digital initiatives such as the production of the magazine's tablet edition. Postmedia recently launched a rolling redesign at eight of its newspapers, beginning with the Ottawa Citizen last week, which launched a new mobile app and evening tablet edition at the same time as it re-tooled its print edition and website.
The company has suffered cutbacks in the face of declining print advertising revenues and is seeking new ways to attract its audience by targeting readers with content tailored to different platforms.
"As a 'day-oner', she has a deep understanding of the Post's mission and standards," said Lou Clancy, senior vice-president of content at Postmedia in a statement.
James Bradshaw