Veronica Wadley leaves the Evening Standard

London Evening Standard editor Veronica Wadley has stepped down now the publication’s new owner, Alexander Lebedev, has assumed the reins.

Lebedev has recruited Tatler editor Geordie Grieg to take the role of editor.

Wadley is not expected to rejoin sister titles the Daily Mail or Mail on Sunday

Wadley joined the Evening Standard in February 2002 and replaced Max Hastings. She was recruited from the position of Daily Mail deputy features editor.

She leaves the Evening Standard with an average net circulation of 294,337 for the six months July to December 2008, up 3.04% on the same period in 2007.

Lebedev has bought a 75.1% stake in Evening Standard Ltd and Associated Newspapers will have a minority shareholding of 24.9%.

Job cuts are expected at the newspaper. Head of marketing Charlie Edelman is thought to be transferring to the new company.

Raising circulation is the key to keeping Evening Standard afloat. DMGT sells Evening Standard but retains London Lite.