Matt will lead the development and evolution of the content strategy across the privately-owned media group which owns more than 130 brands across the UK and employs more than 470 editorial staff.
Chief Executive Jeff Henry said: “Matt has a rare combination of local and national editorial experience and has been a key player in the digital transformation of publishing for many years, bringing together real credibility in both the print business and the digital world. He has the gravitas and know-how to build the content vision at the heart of our business model; engaging our customers with inspiring content wherever they may be, on paper and on screen. This appointment demonstrates our commitment to continuous innovation, whilst creating best-in-class content, and I have no doubt that Matt will be a real asset to the team.”
Matt Kelly said: “Archant has a fantastic heritage, an impressive portfolio of powerful local brands and the vision and ambition to be the best local media owner in the UK. They have demonstrated genuine commitment to investing in the future and I’m excited to join Jeff and the great content team at Archant.”
Matt joins Archant from UK regional newspaper group Local World where he was Group Digital Director. Before that, as director of Barcelona-based consultancy Cases i Associats, he led the digital transformation of Argentina’s market leading newspaper, Clarín.
He has held a number of senior positions at The Daily Mirror, including Head of Features and Associate Editor. As Publisher and Director of Content of Mirror Group Digital, he led the development of Mirror Online and launched Mirror Football and showbiz site 3am.
His career began in local and regional press, as a reporter and sub-editor on the Formby Times and Liverpool Echo.
Matt starts at Archant on November 16. Bob Crawley, who has held the role of Interim Chief Content Officer since January 2015, becomes Director of Content, reporting to Matt.
