Robert Barba has been promoted to Spot News Editor for the Americas at The Wall Street Journal.
He had been filling in as interim spot news chief since since July 8. He replaces Bowdeya Tweh, who moved on to another position within the company.
Barba, who joined the WSJ as Deputy News Editor in May 2015, now advances to a top leadership role, overseeing a team of six reporters who cover breaking corporate news for Dow Jones Newswires customers and the WSJ.
In making the announcement to staff in an email earlier today, Global Chief Editor Glenn Hall praised Barba for being “a versatile editor, quick on the draw with breaking news and a deft wordsmith when it comes to enterprise” and showing “his ability to drive coverage, prioritize on the fly and ensure everything runs smoothly.”
A Denver native, Barba previously worked for Bankrate. Before that, he spent 10 years at American Banker, starting in Chicago as a community banking reporter right before moving to New York to become Technology Editor.
This is my cousin! (Robert’s mother and my mother are sisters) I am so proud of him. Proud is an understatement, honestly!
I remember my little cousin saying to me right after he graduated high school. “Duran, I’m not stopping until I make it to New York! I’m going to write for a paper In New York!” I believe that this is not the end for him ! He is going to go all the way to the top! I got goose bumps and teary eyed reading this amazing article about my little cousin and all his success! I’m proud and honored to be his cousin! I love you Bob!