Boston Globe digital chief to lead web ventures for Johnston Press
REGIONAL newspaper group Johnston Press has appointed Boston Globe vice president of digital products Jeff Moriarty as chief digital and product officer, starting in April.
Moriarty will lead Johnston’s digital strategy which has seen audience growth of up to 45 per cent annually reaching 13.7m unique visitors last month.
“Our digital revenues have grown by 60 per cent over the last year and in many parts of the UK they now account for 20 per cent of our overall advertising revenues, compared to only five per cent as recently as in 2010,” said Johnston Press chief executive Ashley Highfield.
“Jeff’s exceptional track record will underpin the acceleration of our digital strategy as we seek to transform local media and I very much look forward to welcoming him aboard.”
Before the Boston Globe Moriarty previously worked at the New York Times where he built digital businesses in the automotive and jobs sectors.
“Johnston Press has long and strong positions across the UK. They are well along with digital, and I’m proud to be asked to join the effort,” said Moriarty on his appointment.
Johnston Press saw its share price rise 1.2 per cent yesterday to close at 21.3p a share.