Another journal editor resigns!

Regular readers will have noticed that I follow the goings-on at EGU journals with some interest. So in that vein I'd like to point out there have been some recent changes at GMD. Perhaps most notably, our Dear Leader Dan Lunt has stepped down from the position of Chief Executive Editor, which he has held since the journal's inception about 6 years ago. Jules is the incoming chief. (Chief doesn't actually have any extra powers that I'm aware of, but is expected and trusted to take the lead on many decisions with or without discussion.) Bob Marsh has been added to the list of execs - this happened last year actually - having been a topical editor for some time. And...drum roll...I am no longer on the list of execs, though I'll remain a topical editor. All the execs feel that the journal (indeed all EGU journals) should be regarded as community assets rather than personal fiefdoms. So although it made sense to stick with a core team who shared a clear vision though the early years, we realised some time ago that it was time to bring in new ideas and let things evolve a bit. This feeling has been informally formalised though a rough plan to swap execs off the board on a biannual biennial every two year basis - Bob's induction was the start of this, staggered with my resignation to allow a bit of settling in time - and also rotate the chief exec position among the board members. I'm happy to leave the journal in the capable hands of the new board.

Incidentally, it is rumoured that the new Impact Factor for the journal will be approaching 6, up from 5 last year. That should put us even closer to the top of the list for journals in the geosciences! I'm sure that GMD, and all the other EGU journals, will continue to go from strength to strength as the open access movement continues to gain momentum.