THE chief executive of the Harlow-based National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ), died on Monday, aged 62.

Rob Selwood, from Hatfield Broad Oak, died at Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, following a short illness.

He joined the NCTJ in 1978 as a part-time book-keeper and became office manager in 1988. Five years later he was appointed acting chief executive, officially taking up the post four months later, in January 1994.

The NCTJ's deputy chief executive and training manager, Sally Mellis, who worked with Mr Selwood for 20 years, paid tribute to his work.

She said: "When he took over, the NCTJ was in a very bad financial state and he basically turned it around and today we're in a very healthy state. At that time the NCTJ's image in the industry wasn't very good but he mended a lot of fences so we're now on good terms with most editors across the country."

Mr Selwood leaves a widow, Sophie, children Jane and Mark and five grandchildren.

December 18, 2001 8:51