An independent publisher has unveiled a new group editorial director.

Emily Woolfe has been promoted to the role at Tindle Newspapers, where she has served as group digital editor since 2021.

During her tenure in that post, she has overseen the introduction of new website designs across Tindle’s portfolio.

She has also played a leading role in launching a new scheme which will see trainee reporters work at different newspapers and radio stations owned by the group in the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland and Channel Islands.

Emily, pictured, said: “I have loved the past two years, and am immensely proud of the steps we have already taken in accelerating our digital growth and transforming our operation.

“I am now excited to be appointed to my new role to shape the future and grow the compelling journalism which local people expect from our titles, working with colleagues throughout the business.

“We have some brilliant staff working across print and digital, and I am really looking forward to the next steps of our evolution – whether it is producing eye-catching video, breaking news content for our websites, in-depth local reporting for print or high quality audio content, our editorial teams set consistently high standards.

“I look forward to supporting our teams as they combine innovation with experience to engage audiences throughout our regions.”

Emily began her career as a trainee reporter on the Essex Chronicle in 2004, moving to London’s Evening Standard two years later after qualifying as a senior journalist.

She then began working for Newsquest as a crime reporter and later assistant news editor, before moving to Cumbria and initially working as a PR executive for Cumbria Tourism.

Emily joined Cumbrian Newspapers in 2012 as a reporter, becoming assistant news editor on the Carlisle News & Star two years later.

She became head of content in 2018 and was promoted to group deputy editor the following year, remaining in that role until her move to Tindle.

Tindle managing Director Scott Wood said: “Our journalism is evolving to reach engaged local audiences in more ways than ever before so we are delighted to appoint Emily to her new role to lead the changes.

“Having supported the implementation of new strategies for creating digital-first copy to drive page views, while providing the print reporting trusted by local readers for generations, Emily will play a leading part in shaping our journalism for audiences across our communities.”