The New York Times has lost one of its most senior digital journalists to the Guardian, continuing a week of news involving top editors at the two papers.
Aron Pilhofer has accepted a job as executive editor of digital for the Guardian, leaving his role as associate managing editor for digital strategy at the Times. No editor with digital expertise ranked higher at the Times.
[seealso slug=http://sale-online.click/2014/05/19/new-york-times-reporter-counters-reports-that-abramson-firing-was-over-pay-or-gender/%5D%3C/p%3E%3Cp%3EThe role at the Guardian is newly created and is tasked with developing and executing "new and innovative digital journalism initiatives and tools to help grow global audiences and deepen reader engagement," the Guardian wrote in a press release.
The move is an ironic reversal in light of the news that Jill Abramson, former executive editor of the Times, attempted to hire editor in chief Janine Gibson away from the Guardian. Abramson was fired last week, and now instead of Gibson heading to the Times, Pilhofer is joining Gibson.
Delighted to welcome @pilhofer to the Guardian as executive editor, digital.— Janine Gibson (@janinegibson) May 19, 2014
A recent innovation report from the Times highlighted Pilhofer as one of the leading digital journalists at a paper that continued to struggle with its online presence.
Gibson said in the press release that discussions with Pilhofer had begun in March.
"He is a terrifically talented and visionary editor who clearly understands the future of digital journalism and we're delighted he is joining our team," she wrote.
With Pilhofer out, the Times has now lost two top-ranking editors in the last week. Abramson was replaced with Dean Baquet, a veteran journalist with leadership experience but little digital expertise.
"The Guardian has proven to be among the most exciting places to do quality, ambitious digital journalism on a global stage. I'm thrilled to be joining the team at such a fantastic time," Pilhofer said in the press release.