Trinity Mirror has appointed Max Alexander to the newly-created role of managing director of new ventures and strategy.

He will join the news group from Thomson Directories, where he has been chief executive officer since 2006, on October 22.

The group says the new role has been created to accelerate the development of Trinity Mirror as a multiplatform media business, and Max's responsibilities will include identifying acquisition and launch opportunities to best drive growth and shareholder value.

Trinity Mirror chief executive Sly Bailey said: "This will be a key position within the organisation which will help drive transformational change.

"Max will work closely with the senior management team across the group as we seek to identify new opportunities across audiences and markets."

Max said: "The digital revolution represents a huge challenge for media groups but also offers a wealth of opportunities. Trinity Mirror has been amongst the first to grasp these opportunities and the creation of this new role is a clear statement of intent."

Max will report directly to Sly Bailey and will sit on the executive committee.

In addition he will assume overall line management responsibility for the group's acquired digital recruitment businesses.