Defense News announces editorial leadership in Europe

VIENNA, VA., Nov. 16, 2018 – Defense News has promoted Sebastian Sprenger to Europe Editor, directing coverage from a team of correspondents throughout the region.

Reporting directly to Executive Editor Jill Aitoro, Sprenger will help shape editorial direction for the region from his home base of Cologne, Germany, ensuring Defense News continues to serve as the authoritative news source about the programs, politics, business and technology of global defense.

“Sebastian has a deep understanding of the mission of Defense News, having served in leadership roles both in the United States and from Europe,” says Aitoro. “That is incredibly valuable as we work to extend the depth and scale of content we deliver about regional security priorities in Europe, and to dig even deeper into defense cooperation happening among NATO allies. He can also help represent Defense News in the region as we expand our event business.”

Sprenger previously was Defense News Associate Editor, Europe, after serving as Managing Editor of Defense News until he returned to his native Germany in April 2017. Before joining Sightline, Sprenger spent nine years as an editor and reporter at Inside Washington Publishers, focusing on a range defense and security topics. He previously worked at National Journal and Federal Computer Week.

Defense News is also pleased to be announcing Christina Mackenzie as the France Correspondent, joining a team of 10 journalists in Europe covering defense and security for Defense News. Mackenzie is a former wire service (AP and AFP) reporter who was based in Brussels and Paris. She first joined Defense News 20 years ago as the Paris correspondent, a job she held for four years until her appointment as European Editor for Flight Global. In 2005 she spent a year studying at the CHEAr (the French equivalent to the Industrial College of the Armed Forces). In 2007 she joined Defense Technology International becoming the monthly’s Senior European Editor until it folded in June 2016. In June 2018 she founded www.Wombat-womenincombat, a website that focuses on women in the defense sector.

“Like Sebastian, Christina understands the Defense News brand, and has a long history reporting about the security market from one of the most critical defense markets in the world,” Aitoro said.

About Defense News 

For over 30 years, Defense News has been the authoritative news source about the programs, politics, business, technology and acquisition of defense. With industry leading digital, mobile, print and video/broadcast platforms and a worldwide network of reporters and correspondents, Defense News provides an unparalleled reach and influence that makes it the global leader in defense media. For more information, visit www.defensenews.com.