Ben was previously Chief Reporter at JPI Media’s The News in Portsmouth and replaces Gordon Sutter who retired earlier this year.
Ben joined The News in 2012 as the Gosport patch reporter before taking on the court and crime beat.
He was appointed chief reporter in 2017 with a wide brief including news desk.
Ben said: “I’m delighted to be taking up the role of Editor at the Southern Daily Echo at a time when local news brands play such a key role in people’s lives.
“I can't wait to get started with the team in Southampton and will be working to build on its track record for telling stories that matter most to its readers.
“After more than nine years as a reporter at The News in Portsmouth - a job I have loved - it will be a wrench to leave colleagues, and I cannot thank them enough for their help, guidance and support throughout.
“However, I am thrilled to be joining Newsquest and look forward to pouring my energy into working with a new team.
“The title has such a strong, loyal readership with a huge following online, with the latest JICREG data showing that each month the Daily Echo site online now reaches 78% of all adults in Southampton alone.”
Ben will report into Diarmuid MacDonagh, Regional Group Editor for Hampshire, Dorset and the South West.
He said: “We are delighted that Ben will be taking the helm at the Southern Daily Echo. It is an exciting time for this powerful title as we prepare to move into a new waterfront office in the city.
“Ben has all the qualities required to lead the Echo as we embark on the next chapter of our digital transformation.”
Vincent Boni, Regional Managing Director for Hampshire, Dorset, and the South West, said: “Ben brings with him great skill and experience that will further enhance the Southern Daily Echo's pre- eminence as the unparalleled news brand for the city.”
Ben will start his new role at Southampton in January 2022.
Keep up-to-date with publishing news: sign up here for InPubWeekly, our free weekly e-newsletter.
