Changes at ProPublica as Steiger moves to exec chairman role

ProPublica has announced changes to its management line-up as editor-in-chief and president Paul Steiger prepared to move to the position of executive chairman next year, although the US non-profit says he "will remain actively involved".

In an announcement published online the investigative journalism outlet ProPublica confirmed that founder Paul Steiger will be succeeded as editor-in-chief by current managing editor Stephen Engelberg.

ProPublica added that general manager Richard Tofel will take over as president, with Tofel and Engelberg named as co-chief executive officers.

Chairman Herbert Sandler said in a release: "ProPublica became a reality because of the vision and leadership of Paul Steiger.

"The Board is thrilled that Paul will continue to help guide ProPublica as an active executive chairman beginning in 2013 and for what we hope will be many years to come.

"On Paul’s strong recommendation, the Board is placing the day-to-day management of ProPublica in the hands of Dick Tofel and Steve Engelberg, two talented managers who have been with ProPublica from the beginning and have already contributed enormously to its success.  We are very excited about what lies ahead."

According to ProPublica Steiger "will remain actively involved in working with ProPublica on strategic issues, development and consulting with management on business and editorial issues".

Late last year Steiger spoke to delegates at the first news summit of the Global Editors Network about recent developments at ProPublica in relation to data journalism and the growth of the organisation's web development team.