Ashley Highfield resigns as CEO of Johnston Press

Johnston Press chief executive Ashley Highfield has resigned after seven years in the role.

Highfield is said to be stepping down for family reasons and to fulfill career plans to become a non-executive director.

Highfield said: “I have been privileged to lead Johnston Press during a period of unprecedented turbulence in our industry. Since 2011 we have grown our overall audience in particular our digital business, created an industry leading tele-sales operation and maintained margins. The acquisition of the i newspaper has been a particular highlight.”