Regional publisher Local World has announced the appointment of Blanche Sainsbury as its new commercial director from January.
Blanche, left, who is the managing director of LW’s South West Media Group division, has progressed quickly through the ranks after beginning her career with the Western Morning News in Plymouth.
The appointment comes just five weeks after David Montgomery was named the new chief executive of the regional publisher after Steve Auckland announced his resignation.
Blanche’s promotion follows Morgan Stevenson’s appointment as commercial development director and he will join LW from Johnston Press in January 2014.
“I am delighted to be joining the Local World executive team. Our online, print and mobile products offer many exciting new commercial opportunities for clients,” said Blanche.
“We have an enthusiastic talented commercial team whom I am looking forward to working with.”
She worked her way up to the position of commercial director of West Country Publications at the Western Morning News in Plymouth.
In 2000, Blanche joined Northcliffe Media as deputy commercial director and became deputy managing director of Bristol News and Media and subsequently managing director of South West Wales Media Group before returning to Devon in September 2012 as managing director of South West Media Group.
LW chief executive David Montgomery said: “I would like to congratulate Blanche on her appointment. Blanche has established a strong track record of leadership and delivery across a number of our regions and most recently in her current role as managing director of Devon.
“She is a strong, independent thinker with an understanding of the strategic challenges and opportunities which lie ahead.
“This vision, coupled with her knowledge of our business, will enable her to drive our commercial performance forward.”
Mark Sainsbury, currently managing director of Cornwall and Devon Media, will take on an enhanced role as managing director of South West Media Group and Cornwall and Devon Media.
Blanche will begin her new role on 2 January.
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Monty’s Vision gets better and better. These people care nothing for the quality journalism which is the hallmark of a sustainable media business. It’s all about the ‘what’s in it for me?’ short termism which is damaging the long term viability of superb brands, which are being milked for all they are worth.
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And it all starts to tie together ….
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It’s like musical chairs at LW in the South West. 3 MD’s in about 2 years…who will be next.
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There are some old faces lurking at Archant SW who I hear are being tapped up for a return…..
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