M&G editor-in-chief Chris Roper resigns

Johannesburg - Mail & Guardian editor-in-chief Chris Roper announced on Wednesday that he had resigned from the publication. 

"Well, it's one of those sad/happy moment[s]. Today, after six happy and massively interesting years, I resigned from the Mail & Guardian to take up a new challenge as a Senior Knight Fellow at the International Center for Journalists," he said in a Facebook post. 

"I'm going to help manage the ICFJ's Code for Africa data journalism initiatives in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania. It's a great opportunity to focus on digital innovation, where... my heart really lies. Well, except for the chunk of it I'm leaving at the M&G.

"I'm going to miss it, and the wonderful people I have worked with."

M&G chief executive Hoosain Karjieker said on the publication's website that it was deeply grateful for the role Roper had played in bringing the organisation to a point where it was seen as a forerunner in the digital publishing terrain. 

"Chris has been with us for six years, having joined the organisation as editor of M&G Online, and swiftly moved through the ranks to lead our convergence strategy that lead to him being appointed editor-in-chief.

“This resulted in the successful convergence of all editorial processes to form a fully-fledged, multiplatform newsroom that now forms the cornerstone of our future digital ambitions.

 “Our industry is going through huge structural changes and Chris has done a lot to take us through the pain of future-proofing our business.

“We will miss his insights deeply, but cannot stand in his way as he progresses in his career to a new role that allows him to utilise his experience and competencies at an even higher level in the world of journalism that he is so passionate about.”

Karjieker said no decision had been taken about Roper's replacement.