Regional publisher Johnston Press has appointed a BBC News editor as its new head of digital content.

Alex Gubbay will leave his position as social media editor for the corporation to take up the new digital role in June.

In his role with JP, he will be responsible for digital content strategy and play a key role in the development of the group’s websites.

At the BBC, Alex has led the editorial integration of user-generated content and social media initiatives, while he was previously news editor of the BBC Sport website.

Henry Faure Walker, digital and business development director, said: “We are delighted to welcome Alex, one of the BBC’s most experienced interactive editors, to Johnston Press.

“He joins us at an exciting time as we look to develop further our digital content output both through our existing news websites but also through mobile and other emerging platforms.”

His appointment comes after Henry was given his current digital role last September, which included taking on the digital strategy role previously held by Lori Cunningham, who left the company last summer.