A long-serving divisional managing director at Newsquest has left the regional publishing company after 40 years in the industry.

Stewart Dunn recently stood down as MD of Newsquest’s Hampshire division, which publishes the Southern Daily Echo and Hampshire Chronicle, and has since been appointed as managing director of marketing and communications agency Carswell Gould.

He had spent 22 years with the company having initially joined as general manager of the Echo in 1991.

During that time Stewart became a well-known figure in Hampshire business circles, serving as president of the Chamber of Commerce and a director of the Business Improvement District in Winchester.

In a message to staff, Stewart said: “I have had an amazing 40 years in an industry which I have always loved. In that time I have had the honour of working alongside some of the most talented people in local newspapers.”

Newsquest’s regional managing director John Banks praised Stewart’s “great contribution to the direction and development of both the Southampton and Winchester businesses.”

In his new position with Carswell Gould, Stewart will take a lead role in developing the agency and its portfolio of clients.

Gill Gould, managing partner of the agency, said: “We have highly regarded Stewart’s business acumen and media expertise for many years so jumped at the chance to bring him on board. His experience and wealth of connections will be of huge benefit not just to us, but to our clients too.”

Stewart added: “I am delighted to be joining Carswell Gould in what is a very exciting year for the business. Not only is it celebrating 20 years but it is also planning its next stage of growth, which I am very much looking forward to being a part of.

“My experience in media, both print and online, will assist greatly in these growth plans as well as being of real use to clients.”