SCMP's Editor Mark Clifford Departs

Via Google News I find this press release posted to the web about 30 minutes ago. It says that the SCMP's Editor-in-Chief Mark Clifford will join the Asia Business Council in May. Quote:

Mark Clifford joins the Council as Executive Director. Clifford, who is currently Editor-in-Chief of the South China Morning Post, will assume the position in May. "I am delighted to be joining the Council and building on
the solid foundation that Ruth Shapiro has laid since the organization was founded five years ago. The Council's extraordinary membership and its expanding base of research give it a unique opportunity to help set the agenda for Asia. I look forward to working with Council members to realize this potential."

In my e-mail inbox I find a copy of the internal e-mail to SCMP staff which must be making its way all over the Hong Kong Internet:

I wish to announce that Mark Clifford will step down as Editor-in-Chief of the South China Morning Post with effect from 1 April 2007 to pursue another opportunity. Mark has been the driving force  behind the SCMP's forthcoming re-design. He has contributed in the convergence of the print and digital efforts of the SCMP and overhauled the paper's training program for our journalists. During his tenure, Mark played a key role in changes that have both strengthened and improved the editorial operations.

Editor C.K.Lau will assume responsibility for editorial operations after Mark leaves.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and Management of the SCMP Group, we express our deep appreciation to Mark for his efforts and contributions in the past year, and we wish him the very best in his new position.   Please extend your cooperation and support to CK and the rest of his team.


Kuok Khoon Ean                                                      
Chairman                                                                              

Mark's one-year stint has not been easy. I only know him socially and I like the guy. I don't feel in a position to comment on what happened over there. I'm sure many other long-time HK journalists will have lots of views so I'll leave it to them. I wish Mark well in his new job and note happily that his remit, according to the ABC's FAQ, includes issues of corporate social responsibility - one of my pet topics!