A new director has vowed to help a regional publisher “safeguard the future of their newsbrands” after joining the company.

The board of Reach plc has announced the appointment of Denise Jagger as a non-executive director.

In her role, she will be a member of Reach’s audit & risk, nomination, remuneration and sustainability committees.

Denise will also take on the role as senior independent director from Helen Stevenson, who is stepping down alongside David Kelly.

Denise, pictured, currently serves on the boards of CLS Holdings plc and Pool Reinsurance Company Ltd, and until December 2022, Bellway plc.

She is also a trustee of National Trust and chair of University of York.

Denise said: “The importance of a healthy media industry couldn’t be more clear right now and I am looking forward to joining the Reach plc board and continuing their work in safeguarding the future of their newsbrands through continued digital transformation.”

Reach chair Nick Prettejohn added: “Denise’s broad plc board experience and varied perspectives will add real value to us. As we welcome Denise, we also thank David and Helen for their tremendous contributions to the board.”