Martin Ivens, editor of The Sunday Times, is to step down after seven years and join Times Newspapers (TNHL) Board as a Director. He will continue to contribute to our coverage as a commentator and broadcaster.

Emma Tucker, deputy editor of The Times, has today been appointed editor of The Sunday Times.

Rupert Murdoch, Executive Chairman, News Corp said:

“Under Martin’s editorship, The Sunday Times has broken investigative stories of global impact, such as the reporting on FIFA, and the paper has built on its strong record for political reporting and campaigning.  Martin’s wisdom and encyclopaedic knowledge of history have long enriched The Sunday Times and its readers and I thank Martin for his great service.

“I am delighted Emma Tucker is taking on the role as editor. She has had a stellar career in both print and digital journalism. She has a clear understanding of how digital is affecting our industry and how it can be deployed to the benefit of all readers. I know she will do a great job as the next editor of this outstanding publication.”

Robert Thomson, Chief Executive, News Corp said:

"Martin has been a distinguished editor of one of the world’s greatest newspapers. He has led with integrity and ingenuity through a period of fundamental change for the media, and has ensured that The Sunday Times will have a long and prosperous and influential future. His perspicacity and his energy have been crucial in the transformation of the paper, which stands head, shoulders and more above the competition. Martin’s positive influence will resonate for decades to come.

“Emma Tucker is a brilliant journalist with whom I have worked over three decades. Since graduating from the Financial Times to The Times she has flourished as a journalist and as a leader. Digitally savvy and principled, Emma is the ideal person to succeed Martin in this profoundly important role."

Rebekah Brooks, CEO of News UK said:

“Martin has edited with rigour and intellect during political turmoil, breaking some major stories and bringing quality analysis to our readers. Over his 30 years across The Times and The Sunday Times, Martin has made a significant contribution and I am delighted that he will remain within the business.

“Emma becomes the first female editor of The Sunday Times in more than a century and she brings with her invaluable experience and great energy. On The Times, she has played a key role in the digital delivery of our content and in overseeing the evolution of our products and our newsrooms.  Emma joins a talented team of journalists on The Sunday Times and I wish her the best of success in her new role as editor. ”

Martin Ivens said:

“After 30 years with The Sunday Times and The Times it is time to do something new. It’s been a privilege to edit this great newspaper for seven years. We have published terrific political scoops, in-depth investigations, reinvigorated three brilliant magazines and won global awards for a successful redesign. I am delighted that Emma is taking over and am grateful to all my colleagues for making this newspaper the complete Sunday package.

“I am honoured to be invited onto the Times Board and to continue my association with our newspapers as a commentator in these tumultuous times.”

Emma Tucker said:

“The Sunday Times is one of the most famous newspaper brands and it’s an honour to take on the editorship. Its record of investigative journalism, political scoops and breaking stories is unrivalled, as well as its features which set the agenda in the world of arts, fashion and culture. I look forward to continuing that legacy of first class reporting and working with the talented team there.”

The appointment is made with the full support of the Independent Directors of the TNHL Board. Emma will commence as editor on Tuesday 28^th January and reports to Rebekah Brooks, CEO of News UK.