Johnston Press unveils change at the top
Johnston Press, the publishing group that owns The Scotsman, has unveiled a change of leadership.
The firm, which also owns the Edinburgh Evening News, the Yorkshire Post and scores of local newspapers and websites, said chief executive Ashley Highfield had resigned, citing family reasons.
He has agreed with the board that he will not put himself up for re-election at the annual general meeting on 5 June.
Highfield, who has been at the helm of the publisher since 2011, will be replaced by David King, currently chief financial officer.
In a stock market announcement, Johnston Press said: “Ashley is leaving for family reasons and in order to fulfil his plans to transition to be a ‘plural’ non-executive director as the next phase of his career .”
Highfield said: “I have been privileged to lead Johnston Press during a period of unprecedented turbulence in our industry. Since 2011 we have grown our overall audience, in particular our digital business, created an industry leading tele-sales operation and maintained margins.
“The acquisition of the i newspaper has been a particular highlight. I am proud of what the board and my colleagues have achieved and would like to thank them all for their support.”
Chairman Camilla Rhodes said: “I am pleased to announce that David King will step up to become CEO. I am confident that David will prove to be a strong leader and his transition to the CEO role provides stability to the business at this important time.”
King joined the firm in 2013.