A former regional press boss has launched a new business with the help of two fellow ex-editors.

Jeremy Clifford, previously editor-in-chief at both JPIMedia and Archant, has announced the launch of Chrysalis Transformations, a consultancy focused on “creating future leaders, coaching senior-level managers and building your business strategy”.

During his career, Jeremy also edited a series of newspaper titles including the Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph, Sheffield Star and Yorkshire Post.

As founding director, Jeremy will be joined by associate consultants Neil Benson and Mike Sassi.

Neil edited the Coventry Telegraph and Newcastle Chronicle before becoming editorial director of Reach plc’s forerunner Trinity Mirror, while former Stoke Sentinel and Nottingham Post editor Mike was until last month the editorial director at hyperlocal news network Nub News.

Jeremy, pictured, was among a number of senior executives to leave Archant earlier this year following its takeover by Newsquest.

He told HTFP: “I have had a thoroughly rewarding career working for the biggest publishers in the regional industry and have learned so much during that time.

“With the changes at Archant, I decided to make the move I had been wanting to for a few years, which was to make use of the skills, experience and knowledge I had gained and put something back to help others develop and support businesses to transform.

“What has driven me on during some of the most challenging times in the industry has been the pleasure I get in seeing people develop and grow – to take our industry into the next phase.

“And if I can help to do that, through a combination of helping with digital transformation work, leadership team building and coaching, then that is the purpose of my business, Chrysalis.”

“I also intend to take these skills and apply them outside of the industry. My vision is to build a business that helps to develop the leaders of tomorrow, no matter what sector they work in.

“That is why I have teamed up with the likes of Neil Benson and Mike Sassi, both personal friends of mine over many years, because they, too, have the desire, knowledge, skills and passion about developing the leaders of tomorrow.”

Mike joined Nub News as its first editorial director last September but left in the summer.  He has not so far responded to requests for comment on the move.

His replacement as editorial director is Neil Speight, who also edits Thurrock Nub News and previously edited the Thurrock Enquirer.