Gill Smith has been appointed as the new editor of The US Sun, following a successful five-year tenure as editor of The Scottish Sun. Smith will relocate to New York to assume her new role in early 2024, where she plans to implement a stronger focus on video content within the US newsroom, a strategy that has proven effective in the UK.
Taking over from Natalie Evans, who was the inaugural editor when The US Sun launched in February 2020, Smith brings extensive experience to her new position. Evans has recently departed to join Ladbible Group as managing director. Victoria Newton, editor-in-chief of The Sun, expressed confidence in Smith’s capabilities, stating, “Gill brings a wealth of experience at a time when American politics continues to drive the global news agenda, making her perfectly placed to lead our dynamic team and further our successes in the US.”
Smith’s leadership at The Scottish Sun has been marked by significant achievements, including its recognition as Newsbrand of the Year at the recent Scottish Press Awards. Over her 17-year career with The Scottish Sun, she has held various roles, including deputy editor, head of content, assistant editor, head of news, and features editor. Notably, she was seconded to the New York Post in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, further enhancing her journalistic credentials.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Smith described her time at The Scottish Sun as a “huge privilege” and acknowledged the need for new challenges. “The opportunity to lead the US team building a new emphasis on video that brings our trustworthy journalism to life and deepens our connection with audiences in America in The Sun’s trademark style is incredibly exciting,” she stated.
The US Sun has seen a substantial increase in traffic, ranking as the 34th biggest news website in the US as of October 2023, according to data from Similarweb. The site recorded a 15% increase in visits year on year and a remarkable 29% month on month, reaching a total of 26 million visits.
As Smith prepares for her transition, her leadership is anticipated to further enhance The US Sun’s presence in the competitive news landscape, leveraging her extensive experience and innovative vision.
