Joanne Butcher is to become the new chief executive of the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

She succeeds Sally Mellis, who has been forced to relinquish the position on health grounds.

Joanne, (38), is currently chief executive of the Publishing National Training Organisation, which is closing due to a Government shake-up.

She will join the NCTJ on June 16.

She said: "The NCTJ is a well-established brand which has a long track record, and great support with 64 per cent of qualified journalists NCTJ trained.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help build on these firm foundations to further develop the NCTJ and journalism training."

Joanne was previously director of the Periodicals Training Council for five years before taking up her present position with the Publishing NTO in May 2000.

NCTJ chairman Rodney Bennett-England: "We are delighted that Joanne is joining us and have every confidence she will help us develop our products and services.

"She has unique experience with both newspaper and magazine training and excellent industry contacts."

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