Starting his new role in January 2016, Mitchinson will focus on the delivery of the publisher’s audience strategy and ensure alignment between editorial and commercial. The appointment follows the recent creation of an editor-in-chief position at Johnston Press, taken by Jeremy Clifford, to drive a co-ordinated editorial strategy across the portfolio by championing innovation and best practice across the group.
Mitchinson moves into his new position after 13 years at Johnston Press, where he has held numerous positions including editorial director for North Midlands and South Yorkshire, and most recently editor at The Sheffield Star.
During his tenure at The Star, James led his editorial team to numerous awards, including a Press Gazette commendation for The Star’s ‘Heroes of Hillsborough’ 25-page commemorative special, and most recently the O2 Media Awards Best Regional Daily Newspaper 2015 for Yorkshire and Humberside. Mitchinson’s team at The Star was also the first of Johnston Press’ daily titles to adopt its ‘Newsroom of the Future’ philosophy, designed to transform the delivery of news around the clock.
Alongside Mitchinson’s appointment, Nicola Furbisher has taken the recreated role of editor at The Yorkshire Evening Post. She will continue in her role as managing editor of The Yorkshire Post, and will work closely with Mitchinson across both titles.
Jeremy Clifford, editor-in-chief at Johnston Press, said: “James has really shown what he’s capable of in the two years he was editor at The Star. His drive and vision, coupled with a track record of delivering the results we need, have made him the right choice to lead The Yorkshire Post team.”
James Mitchinson, editor at The Yorkshire Post, added: "I very much look forward to leading the development of The Yorkshire Post and its associated tiles. I'm now eager to meet my new teams across Yorkshire so that we can get cracking.”
