Current editor, Sir Peter, will step down from his role at the end of April but will remain as consultant editor.
Rebekah Brooks, CEO of News UK, said: "Peter has been a distinguished editor of the TLS and his contribution to the literary world has been exceptional. Under Peter’s editorship The TLS has reached profitability and the publication has enhanced its reputation for argued opinion on a huge breadth of subjects. Stig will bring his passion for literature to the TLS and I am delighted that he will take on this role.”
Stig Abell said: "The TLS has an impeccable heritage and a fine record of publishing provocative and thoughtful writing. I realise that I am stepping into the shoes of one of Britain's great men of letters, Sir Peter Stothard. In doing so, I can only say I will do all I can to maintain the tradition, expand the reach and champion the brilliance of the TLS and all of the talented people who write for it.
"The TLS gave me my first job in journalism, writing fiction reviews as a recent graduate in 2001. I carried on as a contributor for the next decade or so, always proud to see my work appearing in the paper. Against that background, I am so delighted to be asked to join the paper as editor.”
Sir Peter Stothard said: “It has been a wonderful privilege to edit the TLS for 14 years after 10 years of editing The Times. I salute the finest readers, writers and editors of any literary paper in the world. I wish my successor well. I am delighted that my association with them all will continue into the future.”
Stig Abell currently serves as managing editor of The Sun. He joined the company in 2013. He was previously Director of the Press Complaints Commission. He has been a regular contributor to The TLS, The Spectator and to Sky News. He graduated from Emmanuel College, Cambridge with a double first in English.
Sir Peter has edited the Times Literary Supplement since 2002 and previously he was editor of The Times (1992-2002). He is a member of the board for Times Newspapers Holdings Limited.
