WESTPORT — Thane Grauel, the Westport Journal’s executive editor since June 2022, has stepped down to take the editor’s post at a new publication in Westchester County, N.Y.

John Schwing, the Journal’s consulting editor, will assume the editor’s role on an interim basis.

Grauel, who helped solidify the Westport Journal’s role as the community’s go-to source for comprehensive news coverage, has been named editor of The Recorder, a newly established newspaper and website covering the towns of Bedford, Lewisboro and Pound Ridge, N.Y.

“Thane has been an invaluable asset since we launched. As the head of the editorial department, Thane has done a terrific job covering Westport and managing our contributors. His spirit and gusto will be missed,” said Doug Weber, Westport Journal’s publisher.

Grauel, who grew up in Westport and has a decades-long journalism career in southwestern Connecticut and New York, said Westport is a town with an engaged populace that needs a media outlet dedicated to local news and events.

“It has been a pleasure covering my hometown again for the last three years,” he said. “I know John will continue the Journal’s tradition of intensive, insightful, unflinching coverage.”

Schwing, who has been with the Journal since its founding, has held senior editorial positions with several news organizations over more than four decades, including Hearst Corp., Brooks Community Newspapers and Gannett Co.

“I look forward to enhancing the Journal’s role as a hub for solid information, lively engagement and community resources that a town like Westport deserves — and demands,” he said. 

He can continue to be reached at consultant@westportjournal.com.

Weber said efforts are underway to find a permanent replacement. “Finding the right person to serve as our editor is no easy task. Such a person must have the patience and energy to clearly report on town board and committee meetings, have an ear to ground to cover emerging stories and the creativity to effectively deploy our contributors. We are in the midst of a comprehensive, state-wide search to fill this role. I am eager to hear suggestions from our readers, who can reach me at publisher@westportjournal.com.”