Hong Kong: South China Morning Post editor-in-chief quits

Yes, Mark Clifford is stepping down as editor-in-chief of the South China Morning Post, ending a short and controversial year-long tenure. Mr Clifford leaves two months after the departure of editor Fanny Fung. C K Lau, who filled Fung's position, now moves up to become top dog. (For more on Clifford's tenure at SCMP, click on scmp in Labels).

Here's the internal email announcing Mr Clifford's departure:

I wish to announce that Mark Clifford will step down as Editor-in-Chief of the South China Morning Post with effect from 1 April 2007 to pursue another opportunity. Mark has been the driving force behind the SCMP's forthcoming re-design. He has contributed in the convergence of the print and digital efforts of the SCMP and overhauled the paper's training program for our journalists. During his tenure, Mark played a key role in changes that have both strengthened and improved the editorial operations.
Editor C.K.Lau will assume responsibility for editorial operations after Mark leaves.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and Management of the SCMP Group, we express our deep appreciation to Mark for his efforts and contributions in the past year, and we wish him the very best in his new position. Please extend your cooperation and support to CK and the rest of his team.

Kuok Khoon Ean
Chairman

Where's Mr C going? To the Asian Business Council, where he will become executive director. In May. It's not on the ABC website, yet(?). But for the official party line: ABC press release

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