IT was announced yesterday that Stewart Dunn, managing director of Newsquest Hampshire, publisher of the Southern Daily Echo, had left the company.

Stewart, who had joined as general manager of the Echo in 1991, is a former president of the Chamber of Commerce, a founder member of Business Solent and a director of the Business Improvement District in Winchester.

In a statement, Newsquest’s regional managing director John Banks acknowledged Stewart’s great contribution to the direction and development of both the Southampton and Winchester businesses.

In a message to staff, Stewart said: “I have had an amazing 40 years in an industry which I have always loved. In that time I have had the honour of working alongside some of the most talented people in local newspapers.”