Abu Dhabi Media Company (ADMC) has confirmed that Martin Newland, the founding editor in chief of The National, will spearhead expansion of the newspaper’s brand across the company’s range of platforms and services in a new role as editorial director.

Hassan Fattah will step up from his role of deputy editor to become the new editor in chief, while Bob Cowan has been promoted to Deputy Editor at The National.
 said a top  AFMC official.

Commenting on the promotions, Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, chairman of Abu Dhabi Media Company said: 'The National has rapidly established a reputation for quality, innovation and authority thanks to its world-class editorial team.'

'We are delighted that Martin will now focus his efforts on the next phase of brand expansion across our digital and broadcast spaces, enabling us to pioneer a new era of regionally relevant, on-demand content to rival the multiple platform approach of global news brands,' he remarked.

'Day to day editorial control of The National’s converged newsroom passes to the experienced hands of Hassan Fattah. Together, these well deserved promotions from within the company reiterate our commitment to The National and to recognising the achievements of both Martin and Hassan,” Al Mazrouei added.

Newland said: 'Launching The National has been a great accomplishment. My new role allows me to build on this success and to explore the brand potential in the new multi platform era.'

'My job of building the business of The National story remains on the ambitious path of growth and expansion. I am as excited by the new challenges today as I was when I first started,' he observed.

Edward Borgerding, CEO of Abu Dhabi Media Company, said: 'Martin Newland and Hassan Fattah have forged a formidable partnership in setting up The National; A partnership that will be invaluable as Martin now drives the broader ambitions of The National brand forward.'

Fattah said: 'We have assembled a dream team of journalists over the past year and a half with the ambition of making The National essential reading in the UAE and the region as a whole, setting a new bar in excellence in journalism and production.'

'In the dynamic environment of the Middle East media landscape The National will continue to thrive based on its commitment to excellent journalism, photography and more. The National is evidence to the publishing world that great brands, built on quality, can succeed and grow,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service