Leading renewable energy publisher reNEWS has appointed Stephen Dunne to the post of editor to succeed Todd Westbrook.
Dunne, a seasoned news journalist, will focus on growth in Europe and US. He is currently deputy editor and will start the new job on 1 January 2019.
Westbrook is leaving reNEWS to pursue other interests after 16 years with the company.
Dunne began his career with reNEWS as Ireland correspondent, but quickly widened his remit off the back of strong news skills to become chief correspondent. In July 2016, he was promoted to news editor and in January this year became deputy editor.
Last year, Dunne completed a PhD in media ethics and regulation in journalism and holds a Bachelor’s degree in journalism and a Master’s degree in media and international conflict.
reNEWS founder and managing director Dan Rigden said: “Stephen has proved himself to be an excellent news journalist and demonstrated expertise in the renewable energy industry – particularly offshore wind.
“He will be focussing on taking the reNEWS brand deeper into Europe and the US and into the wider global industry, while delivering our premium business intelligence through new digital channels to reach more key industry players,” he said.
Rigden said Dunne has big shoes to fill following Westbrook, who was reNEWS editor for 11 years and managing director for three. He paid tribute to Westbrook’s huge contribution to the company’s commercial success and his hard work and dedication.
“Todd is an exemplary journalist and editor and can take the credit for much of reNEWS’ reputation for independent and exclusive reporting as well as the expansion of the company’s products range,” he added.
Rigden wished Westbrook well for the future.
Dunne said: “It is a huge honour to take over as editor at reNEWS. I look forward to continuing our focus on breaking big news stories, giving our readers the most complete coverage and expanding our reporting to new markets and technologies across multiple platforms.”
He added: “I would like to wish Todd all the best. He has been an excellent editor and will be a hard act to follow.”
Dunne will be attending the Scottish Green Energy Awards this week and would be delighted to meet renewable industry colleagues.