Newland steps aside as editor of National

After just a year in the position, Martin Newland has stepped aside from his role as editor in chief of Abu Dhabi’s government led English language newspaper The National.

Newland will stay with the newspaper’s owner, Abu Dhabi Media Company, and instead occupy the position of editorial director, where he will spearhead the expansion of the newspaper’s brand across the company’s range of platforms and services.

Former deputy editor Hassan Fattah will replace Newland in the editor in chief role.

Commenting on the promotions, Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Media Company said: “We are delighted that Martin will now focus his efforts on the next phase of brand expansion across our digital and broadcast spaces, enabling us to pioneer a new era of regionally relevant, on-demand content to rival the multiple platform approach of global news brands.”

Martin Newland said: “Launching The National has been a great accomplishment. My new role allows me to build on this success and to explore the brand potential in the new multi platform era. I am as excited by the new challenges today as I was when I first started.”

Abu Dhabi Media Company also confirmed that Bob Cowan is promoted to deputy editor at The National.