Archant, the leading independent UK regional publisher, has announced that Adrian Jeakingshas stepped down as Archant chief executive and board member.
Mr Jeakings joined Archant as group finance director in 2002 and took over as chief executive in 2008.
On his appointment as chief executive he was faced with the combination of a severe recession and structural change in the industry.
He has worked tirelessly to transform the Group from a primarily print and product-focused group to a customer and community-focused media solutions business.
During this time the Group’s balance sheet has improved significantly and the company expects to be debt free by the end of the year.
Mr Jeakings has also been a key figure in UK news media as president of the Newspaper Society and as a non-executive director of the Press Association.
He said: “I have been chief executive for almost six years and have been considering for some time whether or not it is time for me to move on.
“Now that our new Chairman, Simon Bax, has his feet under the table I have decided that now is the right time for me to step down. I am honoured to have led this great company and I will miss working with Archant people. I wish Simon and Archant all the best for the future.”
Simon Bax, Archant chairman, said: “Adrian has made a major contribution to the Group over the last twelve years and we want to both thank him for his dedication and careful stewardship of the business over an extremely difficult period for the industry and to wish him every success in his next challenge.
“We are also delighted that he will continue his association with Archant by representing its interests on the boards of both the Newspaper Society and the Press Association.”
Further details concerning Adrian’s successor will be announced in due course.
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