Robert Thomson, former editor of The Times of London and recently appointed publisher of the Wall Street Journal, was named managing editor of WSJ last night, as "Rupert Murdoch tightened control of the world's top selling business newspaper," reported the Guardian.

Thomson replaces Marcus Brauchli, who quit last month. "In hindsight, we recognize it would have more been appropriate to have advised the Committee in advance of reaching an agreement with Mr. Brauchli. We have apologized to the Committee members," said Dow Jones CEO Les Hinton in a statement.

According to Dow Jones' parent company News Corp., Thomson's appointment had the unanimous approval of the committee that was set up to safeguard the Journal's editorial independence.

In addition to being named managing editor, Dow Jones Chairman Rupert Murdoch announced Thomson has also been appointed as editor in chief of Dow Jones.

Hinton will become publisher of the Journal, in addition to his duties as CEO.

Souce: Guardian - Editor & Publisher