BMJ gets new Editor

Colin Petty, publisher of Builders Merchants Journal for the past five years, is taking on additional responsibility. From January 2 he will also be the magazine’s editor.

He takes over from Jane Oliphant, who has been acting editor for the past 18 months, and will be supported by consultant editor Fiona Russell Horne and deputy editor Mark Rowland.

 

“It’s a slightly unusual move from publisher to editor, but let’s face it – these are slightly unusual times,” said Mr Petty. “I have been getting steadily more involved with the merchant market over the past few years, through THE Conference and projects like Independent Merchant, and my background is as a magazine editor – I’m looking forward to getting my hands dirty again.”

 

Before being appointed publisher of Faversham House Group’s Home Improvement Division in 2001, he was for many years the editor of BMJ’s sister publication DIY Week. He retains his publisher role alongside his new editorial responsibility.

 

In addition to her role as consultant editor on BMJ, Fiona Russell Horne remains editor of the sister website buildersmerchantsjournal.net. Jane Oliphant will be concentrating on her role as editor of the group’s housewares industry website, housewareslive.net.