Reach says Jon was appointed editor of the Daily Star on 2 March, 2018. Prior to that, he was associate editor at the Daily Mirror, which he joined in 1996. Since taking on the Daily Star role, the publisher says the title has made its mark with its satirical front pages and proclivity to go against the grain, winning praise for front pages including the Covid-era Dominic Cummings cut-out mask and the viral Lizzie Lettuce. Under Jon’s leadership the title also leaned into its reputation for lighthearted fun with favourite topics including aliens, “boffins” and seagull antics.
Jon said: “It’s been fun.”
Chief Digital Publisher David Higgerson added: “Jon Clark is a true one-of-a-kind and has ushered the Daily Star into the position it occupies now - there is really no other newsbrand like it and no other title that could have made Lizzie Lettuce the political gag of the decade.
“Lettuces aside, the paper routinely displays the greatest level of creativity you will find on Fleet Street and packs a punch while doing so with a smile. I've thoroughly enjoyed working with Jon over the past few years."
Ben Rankin, currently the groupwide national audience director and previously the online editor for the Mirror, will be leading the Daily Star team in the new role of editor-in-chief, Daily Star Online, focusing particularly on digital platforms.
Denis Mann, currently Daily Star deputy editor, will step up as editor, Daily Star and Daily Star Sunday, reporting to Ben.
Ben said: "I’m delighted to be returning to London for this exciting role leading the Star into 2025 - and beyond! We have ambitious plans for the title in the coming months and I can't wait to get started alongside our very talented team.
“Big thanks to my colleague Jon Clark, who has done a magnificent job with this brilliant brand and will be greatly missed."
David Higgerson commented: “Ben's appointment to this new role comes at a critical time for this brand. The Daily Star is brilliantly placed to find a new audience online, driving its own agenda built around helping people get through the day.
"Ben has been at the forefront of online activities at Reach for many years, and while at the Mirror spearheaded a period of rapid digital growth for the title. He’s also had a huge impact working with the US team, helping to establish our new sites as big brands in a very competitive market."
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