Gulf News has appointed a new managing editor, Paul Blebta, who was previously managing editor of business publication at The Media Factory.

Blebta started working at Gulf News on August 3.

Blebta ,45, has 27 years of experience working in the media, as night editor at the Daily Express and on the back benches of the Daily Mail and the Independent in London.

Robin Chatterjee, Tom Clifford and Mohammed Almezel have been made deputy managing editors and “there is a possibility there might be another one.” He says, “they will make up the executive team.”

Blebta says he wants to “take Gulf News on the next step of its development program.” However, when asked what specific step this was, he will only say it is to “develop the brand and make sure that Gulf News continues to be the leading international broadsheet in the Middle East.”