Times axes business production editor after 22 years

Dennis Rink, the production editor on the Times business section, has had his contract terminated in what appears to be the first sign of a big reorganisation at the paper in the face of looming staff cuts. It is a bit early to see how his departure fits in with rumours of a staff cull, but today the Times has announced a large number of appointments. Rink, who had been at the paper for 22 years, left abruptly last week, sending this message to staff. "After almost 22 years at the Times I am leaving. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work with so many of you on what is surely one of the finest newspapers in the world. I trust that you will keep it that way as you move into the new digital era, and that the Times will always remain something that you can be proud of. "I will be organising drinks sometime in the next few weeks, and I hope to see many of you there. Good bye and tot siens." No comment yet from the Times about Rink's departure. The Times announced nine staff changes, including Liz Gerard to replace Rink and arts editor Tim Teeman to become US correspondent in New York. Robert Lea joins from the London Evening Standard to become industrial editor. Liz Gerard is appointed business night editor Mark Shillam becomes night editor Kathleen Wyatt becomes associate night editor Tim Teeman heads to New York to become US correspondent Robert Lea arrives as industrial editor from the Evening Standard Gary Parkinson joins business as markets reporter Nolan Cocker is appointed assistant night editor Richard Whitehead moves to become assistant editor, Register Nico Hines is appointed Washington reporter