This first 2009 issue of Tobacco Control marks a time of multiple transitions for the journal, and this editorial highlights four important changes. First, Simon Chapman, long-time editor (and deputy editor under the founding editor Ron Davis, whose exceptional leadership contributions to the journal and the field are eulogised in this issue) is stepping down. I undertake my tenure as Simon’s replacement with feelings that vacillate between quaking trepidation and giddy exhilaration, depending upon how late the hour and how elevated the piles on my desk. It is impossible to overstate Simon’s contributions to Tobacco Control, and no one who steps into this role could match his trenchant combination of savvy strategic thinking, vision and razor-edged, witty editorial writing.

However, the good news is that while Simon is stepping aside as editor, he is not lost to the journal. In this issue, we are delighted to announce that Tobacco Control is the recipient of …