Matt Holder has been appointed to the new position of editor-in-chief of the Essex Chronicle series.

He is currently managing editor of the Brentwood Gazette series and will take up his new position on August 1.

He will be responsible for the Essex Chronicle and Brentwood Gazette’s ten editions, as well as the sister website, www.thisisessex.com.

His first task will be to implement a new managerial structure and reorganisation of the two titles, including centralising production at the new £3m HQ in Chelmsford, bringing greater integration between the two titles and relaunching their websites.

Matt, (33), joined the Brentwood Gazette in November 2005, after working for three years on the BBC News website, where he led several projects, including launching the BBC’s accountability website NewsWatch and helping amalgamate the BBC’s regional Ceefax and news online operations.

Prior to that, he worked for the Daily Mirror and the Press Association, and spent six years with the Basingstoke Gazette series.

Matt said: "It’s a fantastic opportunity during such a challenging time for the regional press. I’m grateful to the company for showing such faith in me.

"It will be hard work but I know that with the right team behind me, we will ensure that the Essex Chronicle and the Brentwood Gazette remain the dominant media in their areas for years to come – both online and in print."

He continued: "It’s vital that our online content is just as good as our print publications and offers a distinctive and complementary service to readers."

Former Essex Chronicle editor Stuart Rawlins is taking early retirement but will remain as associate editor to help ensure a smooth transition.