NCTJ chairman to step down after two decades of service

The NCTJ’s long-standing chairman, Kim Fletcher, is stepping down this year after 20 years on the board.

Kim – who was appointed a trustee and joined the NCTJ’s board in June 2004 and then soon after elected chairman – is a partner at the international, corporate communications firm Brunswick.

He was previously editorial director of Telegraph Group and a former editor of the Independent on Sunday.

As chair of the NCTJ’s board, Kim is responsible for overseeing the governance and monitoring the successful strategic development of the NCTJ to achieve its charitable mission and objectives.

He said: “What a privilege it has been to work with such a talented, creative and hardworking NCTJ team, so many dedicated trainers and industry figures and succeeding cohorts of young journalists.

“The NCTJ has a simple faith in the importance of journalism as a public good and the promotion of the highest standards.

Kim Fletcher at the NCTJ’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Conference in 2023.

“Our talented chief executive has always made the mission clear: to help new generations to succeed, to encourage a more diverse intake and to help journalists develop new skills in a changing trade. If I’ve been any help in that I am delighted.”

Kim is editor of the quarterly publication British Journalism Review, author of The Journalist’s Handbook and has written for most national newspapers as a news reporter, sports columnist or feature writer.

He completed his NCTJ training at Cardiff University and as a trainee on the Sheffield Star.

Announcing a new role for Kim, Joanna Webster, vice-chairwoman, said: “Given the length and success of Kim’s outstanding tenure, the NCTJ trustees agreed unanimously to appoint Kim as the charity’s emeritus chairman.

“This is an honorary position for a highly-regarded and well-respected chair who is stepping down after two incredible decades of service and we are delighted he will maintain an informal advisory role and close association with the NCTJ.”

Joanne Forbes, NCTJ chief executive, said: “It has been an honour and a joy to work in partnership with Kim, who has steered the board and guided the charity through its transformation into one of the most important journalism organisations in the UK.

“I cannot thank him enough for his tireless work, unwavering support and encouragement.”

The NCTJ is in the process of recruiting Kim’s successor.

Joanne continued: “Kim leaves big shoes to fill, but I am looking forward to talking to inspirational journalists and newsroom leaders with the skills, personal traits and gravitas who wish to take on the challenge.”

Find out more about the role here.

To apply, please contact our executive search partner, Ibison Media.