National World launched seven news and sport websites last year in many of the UK's largest cities under the company's 'World' branding: Liverpool, Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle, London, Birmingham and Bristol.
Now the company’s Leeds title, the Yorkshire Evening Post, and Sheffield title, The Star, are being added to the same cities project with the editors of those two titles taking on wider leadership positions.
Nancy Fielder moves from editor of The Star to be editor-in-chief of the City World's division. Laura Collins moves from editing the Yorkshire Evening Post to become publisher for the City World's division.
Crime reporter Claire Lewis will be promoted to editor of The Star and Laura's former deputy, Joseph Keith, will now be editor for the Yorkshire Evening Post.
Nancy said: "As a born and bred Sheffielder, it has been an absolute privilege to be the first woman to edit The Star and I am extremely grateful for all the wonderful support, kindness and stories shared by the people of Sheffield.
"Our cities deserve local journalism that champions them, that gives a platform to unheard communities, that challenges authority and that reminds everyone why they should feel proud to live there.
"I am really excited to be now working with fantastic teams of editors and reporters in brilliant cities across England and Scotland. We want to use their expertise and love for those cities to show what can be done when local people are given a voice to showcase their neighbourhoods."
Laura said: "I am delighted to play such a prominent role in helping to transform and shape digital growth and audiences for the newest portfolio in National World.
"It's been an absolute privilege to edit the Yorkshire Evening Post - the title I have worked at for most of my career in journalism for almost 15 years - during one of the most turbulent times in a generation. It has been a true pleasure to campaign for, champion and serve Leeds. The city and its people will always have a very special place in my heart.
"I am looking forward to working with a team of creative editors across some of the country's biggest cities to shape digital storytelling while capturing the local voices and traits that make each of our cities so special."
Both Nancy and Laura will report into Mark Thompson, Editor, National World Publishing Online.
Mark said: "Having Leeds and Shef?eld joining the Worlds project shows the company's ambitions to accelerate digital growth with both new launches and by boosting its historic brands. We are proving that the geographic boundaries of printed products do not cross over into the online world and that there is a huge opportunity for the company to increase its footprint through delivering great, relevant and entertaining journalism.
"We have already been able to recruit an ambitious, talented and passionate team of editors and journalists for the new websites. Having Nancy and Laura's incredible experience, drive and skills now on board will only accelerate our growth even further and we know that Claire and Joseph will be great new members of our city leadership team."
