Business newspaper City A.M. has appointed Christian May as its new editor.
May, who takes over from David Hellier who is leaving after just eight months in the role, has been head of communications for the Institute of Directors since August 2013, where he was responsible for all communications, media and campaigns.
While he has experience as a columnist and has written for City A.M. before, 28-year-old May will lead the daily freesheet into its tenth anniversary later this year with no senior editorial experience.
“City A.M. has been a daily read for me since I came to London seven years ago and it has been an essential source of news and comment throughout my time at the Institute of Directors,” said May.
“Few papers can rival City A.M. for its understanding of business, of markets and of life in the capital.”
May, who will take up his post in the next two months, added that he will “work tirelessly to repay the trust placed in me by the paper’s proprietors and to live up to the high standards set by those who have made the paper what it is.
“It is a great honour to join as editor, and I look forward to working on such a confident, dynamic and respected title.”
Jens Torpe, CEO and co-founder of City A.M., said: “As we enter the next decade of City A.M., we are delighted to welcome Christian on board as editor.
“We were extremely impressed by his work at the IoD and as a contributor for City A.M., and believe he has the energy and vision to build on the paper’s reputation within the business community.”
After a 10-year run at City A.M., Hellier’s exit comes as a surprise to many.
On Tuesday morning, following May’s appointment, Hellier tweeted: “It was my dream job but there will be others for sure. Thanks to all who worked for me at City A.M.”
Shortly after, Mark Sidwell, executive editor of City A.M., also announced that he will be leaving the title.
