The Economist has appointed Zanny Minton Beddoes as the first female editor in its 172-year history.

Rupert Pennant-Rea, chairman of The Economist Group, as well as a former editor of The Economist, commented that: “The Board has chosen Zanny as Editor, someone who is a fine leader, with long experience on the paper. She will be a true advocate for The Economist and its values.”

Zanny, who was previously The Economist’s business affairs editor, said: “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to edit The Economist. It is one of journalism’s great institutions, with an extraordinarily talented staff.”

She succeeds John Micklethwait, the editor for the past nine years, during which time the circulation grew from 1.1 million to 1.6 million. John has moved on to become Editor-in-Chief of Bloomberg News, succeeding Founding Editor Matt Winkler.

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