Johnston Press announces new group managing director

Johnston Press has today announced the permanent appointment of John Bills as group managing director, with immediate effect.

Although the role is new, Bills had stepped in to replace the former CCO, Neil Jones, who left the company last month.

As group managing director, Bills will manage five portfolio managing directors as well as oversee the media sales centre. He will report to the company’s CEO, Ashley Highfield.

Following 13 years at Trinity where he held a number of senior positions, Bills joined Johnston Press in 2008 as a consultant until he was appointed MD of the North Midlands South Yorkshire publishing unit in 2010.

“John has a solid background in strategic operations and business transformation and is a strong leader who will bring inspiration, motivation and positive direction to the role,” said the company’s CEO, Ashley Highfield.

“He will be instrumental in forging stronger relationships between our editorial and commercial teams as we continue to grow our business.”

Bills added: “I’m enormously excited to have the opportunity to help take our business forward at what is such an important time of industry transformation.

“Ensuring we continue to focus on areas of strategic growth whilst delivering operational excellence is my priority.”