Chris Blackhurst steps down from role at ESI

Chris Blackhurst has stepped down from his role as multi-media head of business at the Evening Standard and Independent, less than six months since he took on the job.

Blackhurst, who oversees the group’s business coverage, will continue to write regular columns and conduct weekly interviews for the newspapers and London Live TV; however, according to a statement released by ESI on Thursday, Blackhurst will now also be “free to pursue other ventures.”

Blackhurst was city editor of the Evening Standard for nine years, before becoming editor of The Independent for two years. He was then promoted to group content director, and, in September last year, he took on the multi-media business role.

“I’ve been thinking about extending my range of interests for some time,” said Blackhurst. “I made up my mind over Christmas.

“I’d like to see what other journalistic opportunities in print, digital and broadcast, directorships, advisory and consultancy roles are out there. I’ve been with this organisation 14 years, longer if you include my first spell with the Independent which began in 1992 – it’s time to broaden my horizons.”