Roger Alton

Roger Alton was the editor (1998–2007) of The Observer, in April 2008, he was appointed senior editor of the Independent (seemingly in line to replace Simon Kelner -- who at the time was "editor-in-chief". And about his role:

Is Mr Alton the right man for the job? He was a very successful editor of The Observer, but he tended to take that paper a shade downmarket. He should do the opposite with The Independent. Mr Kelner is evidently going to burnish the brand so that the paper is again seen as the fashionable, must-read accessory of the intellectual elite. If Mr Alton produces an exciting and upmarket newspaper, they could be in business.