Schwartz Media’s top editor, Erik Jensen, will become the progressive publisher’s chief executive after its current boss resigned after less than a year in the role.

The publisher’s owner, Morry Schwartz, said discussions for Jensen to become CEO began before outgoing chief executive Ben Shepherd was appointed in December.

Shepherd, a former advertising and consultancy executive, joined Schwartz after the media company’s long-serving boss, Rebecca Costello, was poached to run The Guardian’s Australian operations.

Schwartz Media staff were told on Friday that Shepherd was resigning to pursue other opportunities, with Jensen, the founding editor of the 7am podcast and The Saturday Paper, to expand his remit to include executive duties.

Morry Schwartz said Jensen was always seen as a viable candidate to fill the chief executive role.

“He has a natural feel for the company and intimately understands what makes it a success. He brings to business the same qualities he brings to journalism: huge drive and ambition, immense clarity in dealing with complex problems and the ability to cut through to the centre of an issue,” Schwartz said.

“I thank Ben for his work with the company and look forward to working with Erik as we steward Schwartz Media to even greater heights.”

Schwartz himself resigned as chair of his media company in December, stepping back from the company’s day-to-day operations, although he has since returned to an active role.