Standard Group makes key editorial appointments

The Standard Group has made key editorial appointments in a move aimed at improving media products and content across its platforms.

In a communication from Chief Executive Officer Sam Shollei, the company appointed Joe Odindo as editorial director.

Until last year, Mr Odindo served in a similar position at Nation Media Group. He is a media veteran with close to 20 years’ experience in different leadership roles.

"As editorial director, he will provide strategic leadership for the group's editorial development and, on behalf of the board, will be the principal custodian of the editorial policy, ensuring its strict implementation and adherence," said Mr Shollei in his communication.

Odindo's appointment marks a return to Standard Group where he started off as a young sub-editor in the 1980s.

He was the founding editor, in 1994, of The East African, the Nation Media Group's regional weekly, and served as the Daily Nation's group managing editor from 1999 to 2004.

Odindo was Nation Media Group's editorial director from 2008 to 2014, having been promoted from group managing editor.

Kipkoech Tanui was also appointed to the newly created position of deputy editorial director.

Mr Tanui will also double up as managing editor - daily editions.

Tanui has served in various editorial positions, including managing editor of the weekend editions, daily editions, The Counties, with the latest position being that of group managing editor.

Tanui, a prolific opinion writer, is well-known and respected for his weekly column in the Friday Standard.

"I am confident that the group's editorial team, known for its competitive journalism and diligence, will be even much stronger under Mr Odindo's leadership and support from Mr Tanui," said Shollei.