DC Thomson has announced that a series of appointments will take place in the company’s Publishing business.

Donald Martin will become head of publishing for Consumer Entertainment (CE), moving in October from his current post as Editor-in-Chief of DC Thomson Newspapers, Editor of the Sunday Post and The Weekly News.

In the role of Head of Publishing, Donald will operate across the company’s magazine division, working with the Editorial teams to manage and develop its publications.  Donald brings a wealth of experience to the role.  As well as having been on the DC Thomson newspaper board for four years, Donald previously led The Herald, Evening Times, Evening Express and The NorthWest Evening Mail as well as a number of free weekly titles.

Neil O’Brien, who has held the position of Head of Publishing (CE) since 2012, is leaving the company to take up a new post as Publisher for a London-based specialist firm.  Having had previous roles as MD at This England until and Business Development Director at Puzzler, he has worked as part of the DC Thomson Group since 2003.

Richard Prest, editor of the Evening Telegraph, has been appointed editor of the Sunday Post and The Weekly News.  Richard will move to manage the company’s national weekly titles.  He has been Editor of the Evening Telegraph and its associated website since 2010.  Previously, Richard was deputy editor of the Evening Express.

Steven Bell, Deputy Editor of the Evening Telegraph, will be promoted to Editor of the paper to undertake his first editorship.  Steven became assistant editor of the Dundee evening title in August 2012, moving to his current role in 2014.  He has worked for the company for nearly twenty years.

Ellis Watson, CEO Publishing, said: “I’d like to welcome my new Magazine and Newspaper teams.  Running a great business like ours allows me to pick talent from any of our competitors which is why it’s all the more exciting for me that we’ve found the very best talent for these openings in our own company.  

“I look forward with eager anticipation to the next chapter as we work together to future-proof our Publishing division.”