New editors appointed at Fairfax’s Sydney Morning Herald

Sean Aylmer is the new editor-in-chief at the SMH

NEW editors have been appointed at The Sydney Morning Herald with Sean Aylmer editor-in-chief and Darren Goodsir news director.

The move comes after the shock departure this morning of SMH’s editor-in-chief Peter Fray and editor Amanda Wilson, and The Age’s editor-in-chief Paul Ramadge.

Mr Aylmer was former national business editor while Mr Goodsir was online editor.

The changes are part of the publisher’s editorial newsroom review with further changes to be announced this month.

The new editor-in-chief will be responsible for both digital and print platforms while the traditional editor role will no longer exist.

Mr Aylmer has been editor-in-chief of BRW magazine and news editor at the Australian Financial Review.

“Sean has an outstanding journalistic background but it’s also his leadership skills –and passion for Sydney – that sees him well-equipped to steer the Herald through the coming years,” Fairfax Metro Media editorial director, Garry Linnell, said.

“He has played crucial leadership roles in previous newsrooms undergoing change and has been a critical part of the project team overseeing our shift toward a digital future.”

Darren Goodsir is the news director at the SMH

Mr Aylmer said: “Our daily newspaper will soon move to a compact format – another exciting development that underlines our commitment to print and presents us with wonderful opportunities to showcase our journalism.

“It’s an honour to take on this role – not because of its status but because of the loyal readers and audience who engage with us so passionately.”

Mr Goodsir has also been news editor at the SMH and launch editor of Fairfax’s online opinion site. He will continue to oversee smh.com.au during the newsroom transition.

Mark Hawthorne has been appointed Acting National Business Editor.