He retired in 1981 after 48 years with The Times .
When Rupert Murdoch acquired the paper , Heren was the staff choice as Rees - Mogg 's successor , but was passed over in favour of Harold Evans .
Heren retired in 1981 after 48 years with The Times .
When Rupert Murdoch acquired the paper , Heren was the staff choice as Rees - Mogg 's successor , but was passed over in favour of Harold Evans .