Ian Ashcroft, the chief executive of Guardian Media Group's regional newspapers division, has been elected as the new honorary treasurer of the Newspaper Society.

He was selected at the Society's half-yearly meeting of members and takes over from Sir Ray Tindle, who had been the Society's treasurer since 1988.

Ian, who also chairs the Society's powerful finance and administration committee, said: "The Newspaper Society is currently in the strongest position it has ever been in. With 99 per cent of regional newspaper publishers in membership it is recognised as a leading trade association in the UK and Europe.

"We are indebted to Sir Ray for playing a key role in this achievement, and I look forward to continuing his work to the benefit of the Society and its members as a whole."

Ian joined Manchester Evening News Ltd in 1972, before moving to Guardian Newspapers Limited where he became deputy managing director.

In 1995 he was appointed managing director of the Manchester Evening News, and later became chief executive of the Guardian Media Group Regional Newspapers.

He is also chairman of Fish 4 and Trafford Park Printers, and a director of IFRA.

Newspaper Society president Tim Bowdler said: "I am very pleased that Ian has taken on this important role and believe that his experience will be a real asset to the NS."

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