International Business Times (UK) has created a Features & Trending desk ‘pointed at the internet’ that will define the direction of the journalism on its UK edition.

Laura Davis is Associate Editor and will lead the Features & Trending desk, which will be central to the operation of the UK newsroom. The desk will work collaboratively with colleagues on breaking news, business, technology, science & health, commentary, entertainment and sport, attuning the site to what people are looking for on search, or talking about on social.

Shane Croucher has been promoted to Deputy Features & Trending Editor, and will report to Laura. Shane previously served as Senior Reporter at IBT and before that he was a Senior Business Journalist at the title.

Lydia Smith becomes Deputy Features & Trending Editor, reporting to Laura. Prior to this, Lydia was a Senior Feature Writer at IBT.

The Features & Trending team will oversee features, trending, comment, as well as social media and audience development.