Steve has been at the Echo since joining as a reporter in 2013, with previous roles including brand editor, executive editor and content editor. He previously stepped into the editor role on an interim basis earlier this year while Maria was seconded at the Mirror.
The publisher says Steve will take the new role from late September after a short handover period with Maria.
Reach Editorial Director (News), Paul Rowland, said: “Over the past six years, Maria has expertly steered the Echo and ensured it has remained essential reading for the people of Liverpool. Alongside her excellent team, she has led huge campaigns like fighting for a Hillsborough Law and saving the Zoe's Place children's hospice, rightly securing multiple industry awards and cementing the Echo's standing as one of the most respected titles in the regional press.
"Steve is an experienced leader and an outstanding journalist who is perfectly placed to step into the editorship. I'm really excited to see how he develops the brand, continues to tell local stories in new ways to new audiences, and builds out the Echo's paid Premium offering.”
Steve said: "It is an absolute honour to take on the editorship of the Liverpool Echo. Having moved here as a student in 2000 I've seen the city change in so many ways, but the Echo has been a constant and consistent voice, speaking up on behalf of our region and championing Merseyside and its people.
"It has been a privilege to work with Maria, a pioneering editor whose support has been invaluable in all the roles I've taken on so far. Under Maria's editorship the Echo has consistently won major awards and recognition across the media industry - but most importantly it has continued to be a strong, campaigning voice for Liverpool.
“I also owe a huge amount to Alastair Machray, Maria's inspirational predecessor, and to the many colleagues I've been lucky enough to work alongside since first stepping into the newsroom in 2013.
"The Echo was founded in 1879 as a 'necessity' which would 'please many tastes'. The same applies today. Working with our brilliant team based in Liverpool city centre, I'm determined to maintain the Echo's strong links with the communities we serve.
"It's been brilliant to see so many readers subscribe to Liverpool Echo Premium since its launch in December last year, while we are seizing the opportunity to reach more people than ever through social media, newsletters and new platforms. And of course the newspaper which has been at the heart of our brand since the beginning is a fixture on thousands of kitchen tables.
"However we reach you, and however you might need us, I promise we will be there for you and for Merseyside."
Maria added: “I can’t begin to describe the pride I felt at being appointed Liverpool Echo editor. It really was a dream come true. The Echo is one of the biggest brands in regional journalism and there wasn’t a single day I didn’t love going into work. I was also lucky enough to lead a talented team of committed journalists and I am so proud of what we achieved over the years.”
Keep up-to-date with publishing news: sign up here for InPubWeekly, our free weekly e-newsletter.
