Sky News’ Esme Wren named as new editor of BBC Newsnight

Esme Wren has been announced as the new editor of BBC Newsnight.

“It’s a privilege to be announcing that after 12 amazing years at Sky News I will be joining BBC Newsnight to lead their exceptional team of award-winning and creative journalists,” said Esme.

She will take on the Newsnight role later this spring, replacing Ian Katz, who left the BBC in November 2017.

Esme has held a number of senior editorial roles at Sky News. She began her journalism career at the BBC in 1999, as a producer on Newsnight.

“Newsnight is in Esme’s DNA. It’s where she began her broadcasting career and we’re delighted to welcome her back to the BBC as its editor,” said Fran Unsworth, Director of BBC News and Current Affairs.

“She brings with her a wealth of TV and political expertise, and she’s worked with some of the finest names in the business. We are all looking forward to having Esme at the helm of one of our most important programmes.

“I’d also like to say a huge thank you to Jess Brammar and Dan Clarke, who have been editing Newsnight since Ian’s departure.”

Newsnight is one of the BBC’s flagship news and current affairs programmes, which airs week nights on BBC Two and the BBC News Channel.

Recently, the programme’s journalism has included in-depth reports on the victims of Grenfell tower and the Rohingya crisis – both of which have been nominated for RTS awards, along with Emily Maitlis’ interview with Theresa May after the Grenfell tragedy, which is nominated for Interview of the Year.