Stefano Hatfield joins the Independent to oversee i

Stefano Hatfield, the former editor of News International's now defunct freesheet the London Paper, has been appointed executive editor of the Independent with "special responsibility" for its new 20p daily, i . Hatfield, who edited the London Paper from 2006 until its closure in late 2009, will report to the Independent's editor-in-chief, Simon Kelner. "I am delighted to appoint Stefano, who is a major addition to our senior team," said Kelner. "Stefano will be responsible for i, and his energy and experience will be vital in building on what has been a tremendously successful launch." Hatfield, previously editor-in-chief of Metro in New York and prior to that editor of UK advertising trade magazine Campaign, will start on 1 November. "The opportunity to join Simon Kelner and his talented team on this imaginative and intelligent launch is exciting and unmissable," He said. "i really is a paper for today, marrying quality and convenience, and I can't wait to get started." The 56-page newspaper, which the Independent touts as the first national daily title launch in a generation, was first published on Tuesday . • To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email [email protected] or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. • If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".