Telegraph Group Appoints Allwood As Executive Director
The Telegraph Group has appointed John Allwood as executive director, poaching the high-flying boss from telecoms firm Orange and marking the second appointment since the Barclay Brothers acquired the newspaper publisher in June.
The appointment sees Allwood relinquish his position as executive vice president at Orange after four years. Having previously held posts at News International, Sky Television and Trinity Mirror Group, Allwood’s appointment brings extensive commercial and financial experience to the Telegraph.
Commenting on the Allwood’s arrival, Murdoch MacLennan, chief executive of the Telegraph Group, said: “John has one of the best newspaper business brains around. He has extensive experience across the media and we are delighted to have him on board.”
Whilst working for Orange Allwood oversaw an increase in turnover and a reorganisation of the business, spurred by the France Telecom takeover. Previously he was deputy chief executive and chief operating officer at Trinity Mirror and oversaw the Mirror Group’s Scottish and Regional Newspapers division in 1998.
The Telegraph Group changed hands earlier this year following a fierce bidding war between some of the UK’s main newspaper companies. The Barclay brothers eventually secured the company in a deal worth £665 million and appointed MacLennan as chief executive in August (see Telegraph Raids Rival Associated For New Chief Executive).
The latest appointment displays a concerted effort to revamp the newspaper’s management, as the title moves to increase its market share. Both the Daily Telegraph and its Sunday sister title have seen their circulations slip in recent months, losing 1.2% and 1.3% respectively year on year in the six months to August.
Telegraph Group: 020 7538 5000 www.telegraph.co.uk
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