SCMP veteran Wang Xiangwei steps up as new editor-in-chief

Over his 20-year career, Wang (pictured) has worked in China, the UK, and Hong Kong including stints at China Daily and BBC Chinese Service. He joined SCMP in 1996 as China business reporter and was promoted to China editor in 2000 and deputy editor in 2007.

“I am honoured to take up this role in these exciting and multi-faceted times,” Wang said. “As the world’s attention shifts more and more to this part of the world, SCMP’s unique position as the window for China and South East Asia, enabling readers to gain a better and more informed understanding of the region, is more important than ever.”

“Hong Kong is our home and we are naturally proud of and committed to its success and progress. Our coverage will therefore continue to defend and promote the qualities that make Hong Kong such a great city,” Wang added, “We will also continue to publish news without fear or favour through our fair, relevant and thought-provoking coverage.”

Kuok Hui-Kwong, managing director and CEO of the SCMP Group, said Xiangwei’s experience, deep understanding and commitment to this will be instrumental in leading us through the changes in the region, as well as in the news industry.”

Former SCMP editor-in-chief Mark Clifford, now executive director at Asia Business Council after resigning more than five years ago, told Campaign that Wang is an excellent choice. "He has been working for SCMP for a long time," Clifford said. "He knows Hong Kong and China well, lived in the UK, and travelled extensively in US. He has a cosmopolitan view. He also has a very good relationship with [SCMP owners] the Kuok family, and he is very pro-reform side of what is going on in China."

Cliff Buddle, who was also deputy editor before stepping in as acting editor-in-chief when Chua departed, has been appointed to a new post as editor for special projects.

SCMP has experienced several management changes in the recent past. Following the resignation of Chua, who is now editor, data and innovation at Thomson Reuters in New York. David Lague, managing editor, resigned last June. In April 2011 Prestige Hong Kong hired Steve Ellul, creative director of SCMP's Post and Style Magazines for more than seven years, as art director. Janelle Carrigan, resigned as culture editor of the SCMP in July after 16 months with the company.

In addition to Wang’s promotion, SCMP has also appointed Tammy Tam (left) and Kenneth Howe (right) as deputy editors.

A Hong Kong media veteran Tam, came on board in December. She was vice-president of news and public affairs at ATV. Prior to that, she held a number of senior editorial positions, including executive news editor, China editor, and political editor for TVB News between 1994 and 2004.

Howe has more than 30 years’ experience. He joined the SCMP in 2007 as a senior editor, having previously worked at the San Francisco Chronicle, where he was business editor between 2000 and 2007. He is a three time winner of the Society of American Business Editors and Writers awards.