Crikey has appointed a new editor and a new publisher as the 12-year-old publication cements its position as Australia’s leading independent news and current affairs website.

After more than two-and-a-half years at the helm, Sophie Black is stepping back from editing the Private Media publication to take maternity leave. After an extensive search for a replacement, Jason Whittaker, the current deputy editor, will assume the role from May 14.

Marina Go, a respected and experienced editor and product manager, has joined the Private Media fold and will take up the role of Crikey publisher.

Private Media chairman Eric Beecher says that the company is “delighted to be able to engineer a smooth succession from Sophie Black, our accomplished editor of almost three years, to Jason Whittaker, her adept deputy.

“Sophie has put an edgy, thoughtful mark on Crikey during her editorship. She is a fine leader and a seriously good editorial practitioner. We look forward to welcoming her back after she starts her new career in motherhood.

“Jason Whittaker takes the baton at a time of growth for Crikey, amid turmoil in mainstream media. Jason is the right person to uphold the publication’s fierce independence and to continue to sharpen its focus on breaking news and expert commentary with a beefed-up editorial team.”

Marina Go, who has previously worked at ACP, Fairfax, Pacific Publications, Emap and Text Media, has joined the Private Media fold and will take up the role of Crikey publisher. Go will work across the editorial and sales teams to drive new commercial opportunities for the business.

Amanda Gome, CEO of Private Media, says Crikey is ideally positioned to aggressively grow its subscription base and website advertising.

“Crikey subscriptions revenue grew by 11% last year and is set to grow by 14% this year in difficult economic conditions,” she says. “Next year we expect much higher growth as we go into a federal election year and everyone wants to read Crikey‘s unique independent perspective.”

Gome says that Crikey is a very attractive advertising proposition for advertisers.

“Crikey readers are a who’s who of Australia’s leaders, politicians and opinion-makers who love new technology, are optimistic about the future and are big spenders. They love culture, entertainment, wine, travel and food. And these intelligent, curious people are into self-improvement, taking lots of education courses.”