• by Ray Schultz , September 27, 2022

John Witherow, who has run Rupert Murdoch’s The Timessince 2013, is stepping down to become chair of Times Newspapers. 

Media reports say that Deputy Editor Tony Gallagher is set to replace him, but publisher News Corp. did not plan to officially name Witherow’s successor until Wednesday.  

Witherow, who ran The Sunday Times prior to becoming editor of The Times, is 70, and reportedly told staffers that it was time for someone to bring in some fresh “fizz.”  

The industry has been buzzing for days over the probable ascension of Gallagher, reputed to be a tough editor. Meanwhile, Executive Chairman Murdoch praised Witherow for his performance.