A senior editorial leader who left Reach plc last year is to head up a new revenue-generating project for a rival publisher.

National World has commissioned former Birmingham Post & Mail editor Marc Reeves to lead the expansion of its affiliate content strategy.

Marc, pictured, left Reach last year in the wake of its pre-Christmas cutbacks after more than 25 years with the business.

After launching his own specialist consultancy firm, he has now landed National World as his first major client.

Immediately prior to leaving Reach, Marc held the role of marketplace publisher in the Midlands, South and Wales.

In January 2023, he was appointed to lead Reach’s affiliate strategy, doubling revenues in the process, and will now bring that experience to National World.

The publisher, which is launching a series of revenue diversification initiatives, sees affiliate marketing as a key growth area.

In his new role he will work alongside another former West Midlands regional daily editor Martin Wright, who recently moved from the editorship of the Express & Star to become National World’s group online publisher.

Said Martin: “With the growing scale of National World, from established flagship titles to our online-only City titles, it makes sense to develop a stream of content that helps audiences find the very best products and services, as recommended by our expert writers.

“An ambitious affiliate strategy will ensure we can do this profitably and at scale.

“Marc’s expertise in this area, coupled with his reputation as a skilled and respected editor who has worked in regional news for more than 30 years, makes him the ideal choice to support us on this journey.”

Added Marc: “Affiliate content is a vital weapon in any publisher’s armoury, playing its part alongside circulation revenue, online subscriptions, events and advertising.

“National World is in an enviable position to become a major player in affiliate publishing and I’m honoured to be able to play a part in that.”