An independent publisher has set out its stall for expansion with a new managerial appointment.

Eddie Pearce has joined Wokingham Today and Reading Today as general manager from Archant London, where he was commercial director.

Eddie, pictured, has also been a sales director for Baylis Media and general manager for Tindle Newspapers during his career.

According to Wokingham Today and Reading Today, he joins “with a mission to expand the business, drawing on his many years in the newspaper sector”.

Said Eddie: I’m thrilled to be joining Wokingham Today and Reading Today, they are great products that are respected and well-read within their communities, but there is a lot of potential for the business to grow further.

“Over the next few months, I’ll be getting to know the communities and key stakeholders. This is an exciting challenge, and it will be to the benefit of these two terrific places.”

In his role, Eddie, who was chair of the Farnham Chamber of Commerce during his time with Tindle, will work alongside editor Phil Creighton.

David Riley, the papers’ publisher, said: “I am delighted to welcome Eddie to the team; he will add a real depth of experience to the management of the business.

“His appointment represents a further commitment to the provision of independent local news across the two boroughs we serve.”