Johannesburg - Stephen Haw has been appointed editor of The Times newspaper, Times Media Group (TMG) said on Wednesday.
Haw, who edits the Sunday Times Express edition, would assume his new duties on May 1.
He would replace Phylicia Oppelt, who takes over the reins as the first female editor of the Sunday Times in March, from Ray Hartley, who is taking a two-month sabbatical.
On his return, Hartley would assume a senior position in TMG, formerly known as Avusa.
TMG said Haw had played a leading role as editor of the Express edition of the Sunday Times.
He was also the editorial product development director for Times Media, in which capacity he led the team which conceived and designed The Times.
Haw was also the founding editor of the Sunday Times Lifestyle section.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to build on the success that has been achieved by my predecessors.... I feel very privileged to be building on their legacy,” Haw said.
Dominic Mahlangu, deputy editor of The Times, would serve as its acting editor until May.
“Haw has been a consistent asset to Times Media, and with his editorial eye and key sense for innovation, we are very confident that he will continue to strengthen The Times as a daily news leader in South Africa,” said TMG managing director Mike Robertson. - Sapa