Bevan Shields will be stepping down as the Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) editor following almost four years in the role. Taking the reigns is the Herald’s chief reporter Jordan Baker.
In an internal email Shields informed staff of his decision to step down.
“This job has been the honour of my life and I am extremely proud of everything we have achieved together. The time has come for me to focus on my health and wellbeing, and to think about the next chapter in my career.
“I would like to thank you all for the privilege of being your editor. I am now going to embark on a break from the newsroom over summer and return to the Herald in a senior writing role in 2026.”
Following the news Luke McIlveen, executive editor of Nine newspapers announced Baker as his replacement.
“With Bevan departing the role, today I am announcing the appointment of Jordan Baker as editor of The Sydney Morning Herald. As you all know, Jordan has led the Herald’s reporting team as chief reporter and is a linchpin of the Herald newsroom.
“Jordan will formally take up the role early in the New Year. While Bevan takes an extended period of leave from the newsroom over summer, our excellent deputy editors, Nick Ralston and Liam Phelan, will support me in leading the newsroom through this transition period.”
Baker has been with the Herald for nearly eight years, beginning with the publication as its education editor. She will now take the editorial reigns in 2026.
