Keeping on top of who has moved where is one of the most overlooked parts of an effective PR strategy. Here's our round-up of the notable UK editorial moves in February 2026 — and what they mean for your outreach.
Steven MacKenzie appointed Editor of Big Issue
February 25, 2026
Steven MacKenzie has been promoted from deputy editor to Editor of Big Issue, succeeding Paul McNamee who led the publication for nearly two decades. MacKenzie takes the reins in March 2026.
MacKenzie has deep roots at the title — freelancing from 2008, joining as a features writer in 2012, and spending close to six years as deputy editor helping co-ordinate print and digital output.
"Big Issue is one of the most respected publications in the country, with a proud history and a vital role to play in the future."
The appointment follows restructuring at the publisher, with redundancies in the digital editorial team earlier in the month. Big Issue continues to publish its weekly print edition — sold by vendors for £5 — and a daily digital operation.
PR tip: New editor, fresh start. A reintroduction pitch to Big Issue makes sense right now — especially if you cover social impact, culture, or anything aligned with their vendor-first mission.
The Independent appoints new UK editor and executive editor
February 10, 2026
Barney Henderson has been appointed UK editor of The Independent, replacing Chloe Hubbard who departed for the Mirror as editor-in-chief. Henderson joins from Newsweek, where he led breaking news operations and helped drive subscriptions strategy since 2024. Before that he was assistant editor at The Times, and spent 13 years at The Telegraph including three years as editor of its website.
Alongside Henderson, Jacqui Merrington has joined as executive editor. She comes from Mail Metro Media where she was director of AI, and previously held senior roles at Reach including editor of Cornwall Live.
The two new appointments join editor-in-chief Geordie Greig, deputy editor David Marley and US editor Louise Thomas to form the senior editorial team.
PR tip: Two new faces in senior roles means The Independent is rebuilding its editorial relationships. This is a strong moment to introduce your clients or re-establish contact — especially on digital-first and breaking news angles.
Patrick Foulis joins the Financial Times as contributing editor
February 10, 2026
The Financial Times has appointed Patrick Foulis as a contributing editor, where he will write a monthly column on how geopolitics is transforming markets and the economy.
Foulis spent almost 18 years at The Economist, most recently as foreign editor, leaving in November 2025. His Economist roles also included business affairs editor, banking editor, and the Schumpeter column on global business. He began his journalism career at the FT's Lex column — so this is a return to where he started.
"The globalised world of the 2000s and 2010s is giving way to a new order that is at once risky and full of opportunity."
PR tip: Foulis will be focused on geopolitics and markets — if your clients operate in financial services, international trade, or global business, this is a key new byline to be on the radar of.
The Standard's CEO Tamar Riley departs for Immediate
February 16, 2026
Tamar Riley is leaving The Standard after just eight months as CEO, moving to a newly created role at Good Food publisher Immediate as portfolio managing director, leading its food and wellness, knowledge and entertainment brands. She joins in March.
Riley's departure comes as The Standard announced plans to outsource its website operation to Independent Media from 1 March — a significant structural change for the title. Before The Standard, Riley spent nine years at Refinery29, latterly as global managing director.
At Immediate, Riley will lead growth strategy across editorial, commercial and audience, and develop new product and revenue opportunities across the portfolio.
PR tip: The Standard is in transition with its website moving under Independent Media management. Worth re-checking your contacts there, and keep an eye on how the editorial structure evolves post-March. Meanwhile, Immediate's expanded leadership signals potential editorial growth across its lifestyle portfolio.
Why editor changes matter for PR
A change of editor or senior editorial hire signals much more than a staffing update. New appointments typically mean:
- A refresh of existing contacts and contributor relationships
- Potential shifts in editorial direction, tone and coverage priorities
- An openness to pitches from PR contacts they haven't heard from before
- New angles and story types being prioritised to reflect their background
The PR professionals who act quickly — with a relevant, well-targeted pitch — when an editor moves are often the ones who build the most durable relationships.
Keep your contacts up to date
PressReacher maintains journalist and editorial contact records across thousands of UK publications. When moves happen, you'll find the right name — not a stale inbox.
Search journalist contacts →We publish a monthly UK media moves round-up. Browse the blog to see previous editions.