Local World digital director Matt Kelly is leaving after 18 months to join rival regional publisher Archant as chief content officer.
Kelly will “lead content strategy across its full portfolio of newspapers, magazines, websites, apps and TV”.
The Norwich-based publisher of the Eastern Daily Press employs 470 editorial staff across 130 titles.
Chief executive Jeff Henry said: “Matt has a rare combination of local and national editorial experience and has been a key player in the digital transformation of publishing for many years, bringing together real credibility in both the print business and the digital world.
“He has the gravitas and know-how to build the content vision at the heart of our business model, engaging our customers with inspiring content wherever they may be, on paper and on screen. This appointment demonstrates our commitment to continuous innovation, whilst creating best-in-class content, and I have no doubt that Matt will be a real asset to the team.”
Kelly said: “Archant has a fantastic heritage, an impressive portfolio of powerful local brands and the vision and ambition to be the best local media owner in the UK. They have demonstrated genuine commitment to investing in the future and I’m excited to join Jeff and the great content team at Archant.”
Kelly was group digital publisher at Trinity Mirror until August 2012, when he left to “pursue new challenges”.
In May 2014 he joined regional publisher Local World as digital director.
He is a former head of featres at the Daily Mirror and began his career on local newspapers at the Formby Times.
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog
