Reuters names executive editor for editorial strategy

She will become executive editor, editorial strategy, reporting to editor-in-chief Stephen Adler, in October.

Announcing the appointment in a memo to staff, Adler referred to a recent blog post in which he talked about how trust and innovation define Reuters' “big-picture strategy”.

“Add to this our more tactical editorial goals - fostering accuracy, speed, fairness, insight, enhanced corporate coverage, multimedia integration, and a safe, challenging and diverse workplace - and you’ll get an idea of how we’re shaping our future in a rapidly changing world,” he wrote.

Adler said that, to help coordinate and drive these strategic initiatives and position Reuters for continued success, Yoon will work with him and the leadership team "to review and continue to refine Reuters editorial vision; collaborate with editorial and functional teams to make sure current strategic initiatives are aligned and executed (multimedia, automation, speed, companies coverage, talent, learning, diversity, etc.); serve as a central point of contact for balancing short- and long-term priorities; and continue to lead Reuters global strategic centres in Bangalore and Gdynia.

“While readying our news team for future growth and success is dependent on all of us, I believe Jean will be in a unique position to ensure our strategy is consistent and effective across our many priorities and that we remain focused on the right areas. She will also play a central role in communicating our strategy throughout the world, helping answer the questions and addressing the issues that inevitably arise whenever an organization is moving really fast.”

Yoon is a South Korean national who joined Reuters in 1995. She has been regional desk chief, company news editor, general manager and editor for Southeast Asia. She was named Reuters Editor of Year in 2012 for transforming the Asia desk and reshaping the file across the region. She also worked in Seoul as chief financial correspondent and in London as UK technology and media correspondent.

A search for her replacement as regional editor in Asia begins immediately. ■