SMG’s Chief Executive Quits

Chief executive of Scottish Media Group, Andrew Flanagan, has left the company after ten years, with immediate effect.

Current chief executive of SMG’s television business, Donald Emslie, will become acting chief executive while a replacement is found.

Chris Masters, SMG chairman, said: “It has been a personal privilege to have worked with Andrew and, on behalf of the board, I would like to thank him for his role in restructuring the shape of SMG and helping to position the group for future growth.”

SMG will now be looking for a sucessor to Flanagan and will be interviewing internal and external candidates to fill the role, with an announcement made in due course.

Boosted by Virgin Radio’s return to growth under its chief executive, Fru Hazlitt, SMG reported pre-tax profits up 46% to £20 million last year, on a 4% increase in revenues to £210 million.

SMG was recently reported to have been targeted for a possible takeover by the former Mirror group chief executive, David Montgomery, and the investment company he now runs, Mecom.

SMG has recently been looking to expand its digital presence with a new website for its advertising group, Pearl & Dean, while Virgin Radio is due to unveil a new online presence in September.

SMG: 0141 300 3000 www.smgplc.plc.uk