A newspaper boss who built his company up from scratch before selling it to Archant has moved to a new role within the regional publishing group.

Former Trinity Mirror executive Paul Stannard launched KoS Media, publisher of Kent on Sunday and its associated titles, in 2002.

He sold a minority stake in the company to Archant in 2005 and ceded outright ownership in June 2010.

Following the deal, Paul stayed on as managing director of the newly-created Archant KoS Media division, but has now moved to a new role in a company shake-up.

Paul now becomes group business operations director for Archant Lifestyle, whose stable includes Archant KoS Media along with the Archant Life magazine titles.

He will continue to be based at KoS Media’s offices in Ashford and will continue to be involved in future business developments and acquisitions.

However the day to day running of the KoS Media division has now passed to Mike Deedigan, who has been appointed publisher in Kent.

Archant says the changes mean KoS Media will be getting the benefit of “added senior management experience.”

Said Mike:  “I am looking forward to working in Kent with such an experienced and talented team.

“There are so many opportunities to be explored in the Garden of England, and I hope to build on the relationships and award-winning reputation that have been built up over the last decade.”

Added Paul:  “I am really excited at being involved in such a diverse portfolio across the UK. I expect to bring new media ideas and products to my home county as part of my new role.

“I am delighted Mike is coming to Kent, and I am sure he and I will be working on one or two new projects over the coming months. He will bring some fresh ideas, and with an enlarged team we will be well placed to grow our business in the county.”