The San Francisco Examiner has named Stephen Buel its new editor in chief.

Buel, who was previously the city editor, brings more than 30 years of journalism experience to his new role.

Before coming to the paper in January 2011, Buel served for more than nine years as top editor of the East Bay Express. He helped guide the weekly in a new direction, focusing more on news and investigative reporting.

He also worked at the San Jose Mercury News, where he served as a reporter and edited the paper’s race and demographics coverage, and at the Arkansas Democrat, where he covered Gov. Bill Clinton and other topics.

“For many years, I’ve respected The Examiner as a smart and sustainable re-imagination of what a daily newspaper should be in the Internet era,” Buel said Wednesday. “I’m really excited to have been honored with the responsibility of continuing that evolution. Keep watching this space.”

The announcement was made to the newsroom by Publisher and President Todd Vogt.

“I know Steve Buel will lead an already excellent editorial team as they continue to produce news about San Francisco in an unparalleled way,” Vogt said.

Buel replaces Deirdre Hussey, who spent 10 years with The S.F. Examiner, most recently as editor in chief.