A director who oversaw a commercial restructure at a regional publisher has announced his departure from the business.

Tom Harte, who was regional sales director for Reach plc for the North & North West, has decided to leave the company.

Tom, pictured, took on his most recent role during the firm’s restructure last year, when it announced plans to cut around 550 jobs across the country.

Since then, he has been responsible for creating a new commercial region encompassing the North-West of England, Manchester and West Yorkshire.

Tom told Reach’s Business Live website: “I think it’s been outstanding what the regional commercial teams have achieved in 2020, including changing the whole approach and structure whilst also driving momentum forward.

“For me personally, I feel the North and North-West is now at a place that someone else needs to take the lead to help this fantastic region and its brilliant people to the next level to optimise the opportunities.

“To that end, I have chosen to stand down to pursue other goals.”

Tom previously worked for Reach’s forerunner Trinity Mirror between 2001 and 2017, when he left to become group digital director at the CN Group and subsequently Newsquest Cumbria, following the former’s purchase by the latter.

He returned to Reach in 2018, initially as commercial director for its Manchester and West Yorkshire regions.

A search for Tom’s successor has now begun.

Sarah Pullen, commercial director for Reach Regionals, said: “I want to personally thank Tom for his contribution to the business and for his support to me and the wider management team.

“I wish him all the very best in the future.”