Jordan Baker appointed editor of the SMH after Bevan Shields steps down

The Sydney Morning Herald’s editor, Bevan Shields, has stepped down after four years, with chief reporter Jordan Baker appointed as the next editor to take on the role in 2026.

Shields, a former federal editor for both the Herald and The Age, informed staff on Tuesday afternoon, saying the job had been the honour of his life and that he would now focus on his health and wellbeing, as well as the next chapter in his career.

He will return to the Herald’s newsroom in 2026 in a senior writing role.

Baker’s appointment was confirmed by executive editor Luke McIlveen, who praised her as a linchpin of the Herald newsroom.

“Jordan will formally take up the role early in the New Year. While Bevan takes an extended period of leave from the newsroom over summer, our excellent deputy editors, Nick Ralston and Liam Phelan, will support me in leading the newsroom through this transition period,” McIlveen said.

Baker will sit alongside editor of The Age, Patrick Elligett, and national editor David King in reporting to McIlveen.

“Bevan has worked incredibly hard to ensure the Herald’s ongoing success, and I’d like to thank him for his dedication and commitment to the Herald and our readers,” McIlveen said.

“Under Bevan’s leadership, the Herald has maintained its position as Australia’s most-read masthead. Other key achievements include the establishment of a Parramatta bureau dedicated to covering Sydney’s fast-growing second city, multiple industry awards for continued coverage of the impact of toxic ‘forever chemicals’ and successful campaigning on poker machine reform.

“The Herald has doubled down on its coverage of state politics, education, transport, the health system, and significantly expanded its investigations team.”

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