Reuters names new regional bureau chiefs and editors

The new job “is firmly focused on delivering memorable news stories and overseeing a strong and competitive news file,” said newly-appointed EMEA editor Michael Stott, pictured.

“Our regional bureau chiefs/editors will lead from the front, writing stories and conducting high-level interviews which showcase their expertise and set the news agenda,” he said in a message to staff. “They will be in the forefront of delivering the enterprise stories and big-picture analytical stories which will distinguish us from competitors. They are also tasked with leading news coverage from their regions, running the bureaux, recruiting, promoting, rewarding and retaining the best journalistic talent we can find.”

The initial appointments are

• Samia Nakhoul as Middle East editor, initially based in London but likely to move to the region in due course. The Middle East, Gulf, Arab nations of North Africa, and Turkey report to her. Caroline Drees is Middle East/North Africa editorial region general manager.
• Alex Smith as financial industry editor, based in London. 
• Noah Barkin as bureau chief, Germany, Austria and Switzerland, based in Berlin and Frankfurt. Olaf Zapke is general manager, based in Frankfurt.
• Tim Heritage as bureau chief, Central and Eastern Europe and CIS based in Moscow. Bureaux in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria report to him. Olaf Zapke is general manager.
• Geert de Clercq as bureau chief, France/Benelux, based in Paris. Bureaux in Belgium, France, Netherlands and Luxembourg report to him. Mike Bergmeijer is general manager.
• Barry Moody as bureau chief, Southern Europe and Balkans, based in Rome. The region includes Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, and the Balkans. Mike Bergmeijer is general manager.
• Paul Taylor – European affairs editor, based in Paris, reporting to EMEA news editor Janet McBride.

Stott said further announcements covering the remainder of the EMEA geography, London desks and EMEA news editing, would follow. ■