A new executive has joined a regional publisher charged with expanding the company’s technical capabilities.

Reach plc has announced the appointment of Jean-Paul Camelbeek as chief product officer.

Jean-Paul, pictured, joins from technology research business OMDIA-Informa where he worked as a consultant.

Earlier this year he worked with Reach as a lead consultant on a project aimed at strengthening the business’s rapidly growing customer database.

In his new role he will lead Reach’s Product and Engineering team and will continue to focus on expanding the company’s technical capabilities and overseeing product creation and optimisation.

Jean-Paul said: “During my time working with the Reach team I’ve been impressed by their passion to build products that deliver real value and a great customer experience.

“The opportunity to build products that Reach’s millions of customers will use every day is tremendously exciting.

“This is a business not afraid to tackle change and I look forward to playing a key role in its continued transformation.”

Reach chief executive Jim Mullen added: “Jean-Paul’s expertise has been hugely valuable and I’m delighted to welcome him as a fully fledged member of the Reach plc executive team.

“This appointment marks another key milestone for us as we continue to deliver for our customers and grow and innovate as a business looking to the future.”

Reach has also hired Sarah Clerkson as director of business intelligence and insight and James Skelton, who has joined as customer growth director.