The chairman of Johnston Press is stepping down from his role due to an “acute illness” in his family.
JP has announced that Ian Russell, left, will leave the board and cease to be a director of the company with effect from 31 December.
Camilla Rhodes, currently Senior Independent Director, will become interim Chairman from the following day.
JP has begun searching for a permanent replacement for Ian, who has served as chairman for the past seven years.
Ashley Highfield, JP’s chief executive officer, said: “I’d like to thank Ian for his tireless work on behalf of Johnston Press, first as a non-executive director and, since 2009, as chairman.
“His guidance and advice have been invaluable to me and his Board colleagues throughout that time and he will leave with our warmest best wishes.
“Camilla Rhodes has huge experience of both our company and our industry and I look forward to working with her in the coming months while we identify a permanent successor to Ian.”
Prior to joining JP in 2009, Camilla worked for the News International as the managing of Times Newspapers for four years, before becoming MD of News Group Newspapers, publisher of the Sun and the News of the World, for a further four years.
Everyone will wish Mr Russell and and family all the best in the days ahead.
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