Variety has promoted investigative journalist Matt Donnelly to executive editor of film, placing him in charge of the publication’s film coverage across its weekly print magazine and website. The appointment matters because Donnelly will lead reporting on major Hollywood developments, including breaking news, analysis, investigations, festivals and industry culture.

Donnelly, who joined Variety as a senior film writer in 2018, will begin the Los Angeles-based role on 17 August. He succeeds Brent Lang, who is leaving after 12 years at Variety to become editor-in-chief of IndieWire; Donnelly’s previous reporting has included coverage of Ellen DeGeneres, Participant Media and the streaming industry.