Nóirín Hegarty has been appointed Ireland editor of The Times and The Sunday Times and will join the paper this November.

Reporting to Emma Tucker, editor of The Sunday Times, and John Witherow, editor of The Times, Nóirín will be responsible for editing the award-winning journalism of both titles in Ireland and leading the newsroom’s move to digital-first publishing.

Nóirín has significant experience as an editor in print and digital journalism and in leading digital transformation projects. In her role prior to this, she was vice-president digital content at Lonely Planet, spearheading its new digital strategy.

She was previously editor of the national Sunday newspaper The Sunday Tribune, the editor of the number one Irish news website independent.ie, and deputy editor of the daily national newspaper the Evening Herald.

Nóirín said: “I am delighted to get the opportunity to lead The Sunday Times and Times Ireland team at a very interesting time in the politics and current affairs of Ireland and Northern Ireland. I look forward to working with journalists I have long admired, and to joining the iconic Sunday Times and Times brand, which is globally recognised for excellent journalism.”

Emma Tucker said: “I’m delighted to welcome Nóirín. I know she will do a great job as the next Ireland editor; she is inspiring, motivated, and has brilliant leadership experience."