Johnston Press Headhunts John Fry From Archant

Johnston Press has recruited John Fry, formerly chief executive of its regional group rival Archant, as its new CEO.

Fry will leave his position at Archant, which he has held for the past six years, to replace Tim Bowdler.

Johnston currently publishes 300 titles, including the Yorkshire Post and The Scotsman, but has been suffering recently with shares down 5% last week to 43.75, according to reports.

Last month Johnston announced a year on year fall of 9.5% in advertising revenues for the first half of 2008, with total group revenue was down 6.3% to £293.1 million.

Johnston hopes that Fry will be able to turn things around at the publicly listed company.

Johnston Press: 0207 583 2100 www.johnstonpress.co.uk