The former business partner of music impresario Simon Cowell is to head up the newspaper division of regional publisher DC Thomson.

Ellis Watson, formerly of John Menzies plc, FirstGroup plc and Celador, has joined the business with immediate effect as managing director for newspapers.

He will oversee the company’s newspaper business, including The Press & Journal, The Evening Express, The Courier & Advertiser, The Evening Telegraph, The Sunday Post, and The Weekly News. 

Ellis started his career on Fleet Street, working as the marketing director at News International.  His other previous roles include being managing director at the Mirror Group. 

He previously sat on the main executive board of directors for John Menzies plc, FirstGroup plc and also ran Celador and the Syco group, the umbrella organisation for Simon Cowell’s various business interests.

He will continue the work started by Alan Scott and David Thomson who have been joint managing directors of the newspaper business.  David Thomson is now chief operating officer for DC Thomson and Group companies, while Alan has just announced his retirement.

Ellis, who will be responsible for developing newspaper operations to create an efficient business model to build on the strength of the newspaper brands and products, said: “I’m delighted to be back home, running these fantastic titles and working with such talented people.”

Andrew F Thomson chairman of DC Thomson and Co. Ltd said: “Ellis brings with him a wealth of industry experience and local knowledge.  He lives with his wife and family in the area and will be based at both our Dundee and Aberdeen offices. 

“I welcome Ellis to the newspaper senior management team as he gets to know our people and our business and look forward to working with him.”