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Senior management changes announced at regional publisher

Mark WoodwardA senior digital executive at regional publisher Johnston Press has left the company while a new human resources director has been appointed.

Mark Woodward, left, previously product manager in charge of digital strategy, left to take up a new role with estate agency group Countrywide plc.

Mark, who had been in the position since July 2010, was responsible for content strategy and development for JP’s websites and also introduced the the new template on the group’s atex content management system while in the post.

He previously worked as JP’s group editorial content manager for digital, a role he took on in June 2007.

Posting on his page on business networking site LinkedIn, Mark said: “So, after 27 years in regional news I am leaving the industry that I know and love.

“I just wanted to thank all my many colleagues and business partners that I have worked with in that time and wish them well for the future. It’s been a blast.”

Meanwhile Ian Johnston has been appointed to the role of group human resources director, which JP says will see him “play a key role in the day-to-day management and strategic direction for the group.”

Ian has previously held a number of HR director positions at companies including Allied Healthcare Group and BT Business. Most recently he had been working for Barclays.

Said Ian: “It’s a privilege to be able to work with such a great team here at Johnston Press, particularly during a period of cultural and business transformation.

“I’ll be hitting the ground running and am looking forward to playing my part in the business’ future success.”

2 comments

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  • March 13, 2017 at 3:27 pm
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    I can’t see mention of Mr Woodwards replacement?
    Is he being replaced or is this position deemed not worth replacing?
    And call me old fashioned but whenever a new HR chief comes in it’s been my experience it’s usually to shake the tree ahead of further cuts and cost savings, it rarely positively impacts onto copy sales or ad revenues.

    Good wishes to Mr Woodward on a career outside of the regionals

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  • March 17, 2017 at 4:24 pm
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    A spot of strengthening at the coal face wouldn’t go amiss, with that rare species called journalists and photographers. Newsroom of the Future – with its irrelevant ‘generic’ rubbish – is an insult.

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