Guardian Australia’s editor-in-chief, after a decade at the helm, is stepping down, marking the end of an era for the country’s longest-serving female lead editor and one of its longest-serving top editors.

Under her leadership since 2016, the publication expanded in influence, reach, and multimedia presence, growing to a nationwide staff and earning numerous Walkley Awards for reporting across environment, politics, social affairs, Indigenous issues, and commentary.

Her predecessor and Guardian Australia’s editor-in-chief, appointed in 2016, is lauded for editorial rigor and political insight, with the boss highlighting the publication’s growth and impact in an internal message.

Guardian Australia now ranks as the fourth most-read news site in Australia, reaching about 8.4 million unique readers, surpassing major mastheads.

The departing editor leaves behind a high-calibre team and notes there are strong potential successors to consider for the role.

Guardian Australia will continue to operate with editorial independence and strong editorial and commercial teams from bureaux in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Canberra.

Lenore Taylor has resigned as Guardian Australia editor after nearly a decade in the role, effective this week, making room for a new leadership phase.

Taylor, a founding hire in 2013 and editor since 2016, is the longest-serving top editor in Australian media and plans to take several months off after stepping down.

Prior to Guardian Australia, Taylor was the chief political correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald, and her departure signals a pause to reflect after a landmark tenure.

Taylor noted the decision was long contemplated, citing the demanding role and the exhilarating yet exhausting pace, while acknowledging readers’ appreciation for Guardian Australia.

Readers have come to trust Guardian Australia as a national institution, reflecting a shift from gratitude for its arrival to expecting ongoing, reliable coverage.

Her career includes a Walkley Award in 2014 and recognition as Australian press gallery journalist of the year, contributing to the site’s rising prominence.