Independent News & Media has appointed Derek Carvell as chairman of Belfast Telegraph Newspapers Ltd.

Previously managing director of the Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life, in his new role he will assume special responsibilities for acquisitions, new revenue opportunities and developments in new media, including the recently acquired PropertyNews.com.

He will also join the Northern Ireland board of INM, which was set up when Independent News & Media plc bought the Belfast Telegraph in 2000. He will also be chairman of PropertyNews and of a new Northern Ireland print division.

Derek first joined the Belfast Telegraph in 1970 and, after holding a number of senior executive positions with Thomson Regional Newspapers and Trinity Mirror, he assumed the role of MD in 1998.

He said: "I am looking forward with great excitement to my new role.

"Newspapers are facing great challenges but also terrific opportunities, particularly in a society such as Northern Ireland, which has changed dramatically in the past ten years.

"We have great brands and an enviable reputation, and it will be my task to exploit them."