Blott takes on MD role at Herald as Tait ponders a return to newspapers
Blott takes charge at The Herald
Newsquest has appointed Tim Blott to head-up the recently acquired portfolio of Scottish newspapers – The Herald, Sunday Herald and Evening Times.The newly installed regional managing director (Strathclyde) spent his first day in the Glasgow office on Tuesday following his appointment.
Gannett, owner of Newsquest, was preferred buyer among staff at the Glasgow-based titles in the run up to the sale. However, recent reports have speculated that one of Blott’s first jobs on taking the hot seat will be to implement cost-cutting measures to rationalise the company’s £216m investment.
However, as The Drum went to press, Blott was unavailable for comment on any changes that the titles may make under his and Newsquest’s supervision.
Blott joined Newsquest as a trainee reporter in 1975, working his way up to editor of the Oxford Mail before being appointed to the position of acting managing director. He moved to Bradford in 1996 and was promoted to managing director for Lancashire, Bradford and Kendal four years later.
Late last year Blott was appointed regional managing director of Newsquest North-East before taking the new Glasgow-based role at the start of this month.
Meanwhile, former Scotsman Publications deputy managing director Stephen Tait has been spotted at the offices of the Herald, Sunday Herald and Evening Times raising speculation that he is looking to move back into the newspaper industry.
It is thought that senior roles will be reviewed as Newsquest takes charge, having had the acquisition cleared following strict scrutiny by the Competition Commission.