Wall Street Journal snags New York Times social media editor

March 21, 2017

http://twitter.com/#!/lheron/status/180383447133589506

Looks like the Wall Street Journal just snatched up a new member for their social media team… right out of the New York Times’s office.

The news is bittersweet, as I'll miss my colleagues at @nytimes, for which I have the utmost respect. But thrilled for challenges ahead.

— Liz Heron (@lheron) March 15, 2012

Several current WSJ editors and one former WSJ editor took to twitter to express their happiness with the new hire.

welcome, @lheron! we're thrilled you are joining the @WSJ. I can't wait to start working together.

— Emily Steel (@emilysteel) March 15, 2012

Delighted to welcome @lheron to @wsj digital network as our new Director of Social Media and Engagement

— Raju Narisetti (@raju) March 15, 2012

What a great move by the Journal in hiring @lheron, who's so brilliant and such a fantastic journalist. Nicely done, @rajunarisetti.

— Zach Seward (@zseward) March 15, 2012

However, NYT’s employees were decidedly less happy about the situation.

@lheron Horrors! Really sorry to lose you at the Times. You represent our future! Thanks for all you've taught me.

— Nicholas Kristof (@NickKristof) March 15, 2012

We're happy for you (but sad for us.) RT @lheron: Excited to announce I'm joining @WSJ as director of social media and engagement!

— Jim Roberts (@nycjim) March 15, 2012

Buzzfeed’s Ben Smith thinks it’s a smart move for the Wall Street Journal.

Big hire RT @lheron Excited to announce I'm joining @WSJ as director of social media and engagement!

— Ben Smith (@BuzzFeedBen) March 15, 2012

Poynter’s Steve Myers tweets out some insight on exactly why the WSJ hired “digital alchemist” Heron.

WSJ memo on @lheron, "digital alchemist," reveals she has discovered new biz model for news: turning tweets into gold! http://t.co/l3LYej9O

— Steve Myers (@myersnews) March 15, 2012

She turns tweets into gold, eh? We’re surprised Ron Paul 2012 didn’t snatch her up first…