The Media Leader has appointed its first content director.
James Longhurst will join the media industry’s leading trade title on 20 January. Most recently, Longhurst has run his own consultancy, Clear Eyes Media, advising media owners and brands on content strategy.
He has 20 years’ experience in media and publishing, including as The Guardian’s head of B2B strategy for five years.
This is a newly created position. Omar Oakes, previously editor-in-chief of The Media Leader, left the title to become a freelance consultant in December 2024.
Oakes continues to be part of The Media Leader family and will now write a twice-monthly column.
Steve Scaffardi, managing director of events and publishing at The Media Leader parent Adwanted UK, said: “We understand it might seem like a bold move to not replace the editor role like for like, but for us this role makes perfect sense to take The Media Leader to the next level.
“James comes in with all the right attributes, experience and ideas to help continue the amazing work that has gone before and to introduce new and different ways in which we reach the market and expand on our vision to be the voice for the industry.
“This time next year, I am confident we will have a publication that has once again elevated itself and is doing things in a way that benefits the industry as a whole.”
Longhurst added: “I’m delighted to be joining Adwanted UK and The Media Leader at such an exciting time for the organisation and for our industry.
“The Media Leader team have built a great product, with a loyal audience and sector-leading editorial. I can’t wait to get started and help grow the community even more through working with our readers, contributors and clients at a pivotal moment for the sector.”
