Independent owner Evgeny Lebedev took to Twitter on Monday morning to annunce the surprise appointments of Amol Rajan as editor of the Independent and Oly Duff as editor of sister title i.
Rajan will take over the editorial role from Chris Blackhurst, who will continue as group content director across Lebedev's titles after less than two years in the role.
Oly Duff moves from his executive editor of the Independent position to take the editor role at the i.
It's not the first time Lebedev has used Twitter to make staff announcements; in April he announced the appointment of Lisa Markwell as editor of the Independent on Sunday, a move which he confirmed would be permanent alongside the latest shuffle.
Delighted to announce @olyduff is appointed Editor of @theipaper. Superb young talent who will take this paper forward
— Evgeny Lebedev (@mrevgenylebedev) June 17, 2013
Also very pleased to announce @amolrajan is made Editor of @independent. Another exceptional young talent who will lead strongly
— Evgeny Lebedev (@mrevgenylebedev) June 17, 2013
Chris Blackhurst is appointed to Group Content Director, overseeing integration and content creation across all titles
— Evgeny Lebedev (@mrevgenylebedev) June 17, 2013
I thank him for all his work and leadership as Editor of @Independent. Look forward to creating a 21st century media company with him
— Evgeny Lebedev (@mrevgenylebedev) June 17, 2013
.@lisamarkwell is appointed Editor of @IndyOnSunday, having made a great start
— Evgeny Lebedev (@mrevgenylebedev) June 17, 2013
.@sandsstandard remains Editor of the Evening Standard, which goes from strength to strength
— Evgeny Lebedev (@mrevgenylebedev) June 17, 2013