Sunday editor Paul Henderson steps down amidst changes at Reach
By MARIELLA BROWN
Paul Henderson will be standing down as Sunday Mirror and Sunday People editor as part of publisher Reach’s restructuring.
Henderson, pictured right, became editor of the Sunday titles in February when the titles became a seven-day operation alongside the Daily Mirror.
A senior member of the Mirror editorial team since 2010 and deputy to Mirror editor-in-chief Alison Phillips, Henderson’s announcement follows the departure of several regional editors at the publisher following a major restructure in July due to the Covid-19 crisis.
As reported in Press Gazette, Henderson said: “Editing The Sunday Mirror and the Sunday People has been a fantastic privilege.
“After this, I am looking forward to new opportunities and challenges.”
Following Henderson’s departure to occur in Spring 2021, editor Alison Phillips will remain supported by three deputies Tom Carlin, Gemma Aldridge and Paul Cockerton.
Phillips said: “Paul has a wealth of experience, knowledge and passion for the job which I’d say is unmatched anywhere in the industry.
“He has helped guide so many great stories and campaigns into the papers and as editor of the Sunday Mirror and Sunday People, Paul has led his team to create truly outstanding papers – particularly during the current crisis.”
The news comes as Reach has announced the creation of a new diversity and inclusion role.
Dr Julie Humphreys will be appointed as Reach plc’s first head of diversity and inclusion with the aim of achieving a “truly diverse and inclusive workforce”.
Dr Humphreys, formerly head of diversity and inclusion at the FTSE 20 Compass Group, will report directly into Reach CEO Jim Mullen and will be part of the Human Resources Senior Leadership Team.
Announcing the appointment Mullen said: “2020 has shone a light on the importance of diversity, inclusion, and well-being.
“With Julie’s appointment, we are committing to making positive changes at Reach for the long-term.”
Dr Humphreys added: “Reach is committed to building a more inclusive culture, there is already so much work going on behind the scenes to make that happen, I’m excited to join and build on that work with passionate people.”