Blanche started at the Western Morning News in Plymouth and quickly progressed through the ranks to the position of Commercial Director of West Country Publications.
In 2000 Blanche joined Northcliffe Media as Deputy Commercial Director and became Deputy Managing Director of Bristol News and Media and subsequently Managing Director of South West Wales Media Group before returning to Devon in September 2012 as Managing Director of South West Media Group.
David Montgomery, CEO, Local World said: “I would like to congratulate Blanche on her appointment. Blanche has established a strong track record of leadership and delivery across a number of our regions and most recently in her current role as Managing Director of Devon. She is a strong, independent thinker with an understanding of the strategic challenges and opportunities which lie ahead. This vision, coupled with her knowledge of our business, will enable her to drive our commercial performance forward.”
Blanche will lead a commercial team which has benefited from recent appointments including Morgan Stevenson as Commercial Development Director, says the publisher. Morgan is currently Group Head of Display and Operations at Johnston Press and he will join Local World in January 2014.
Blanche said: “I am delighted to be joining the local world executive team. Our online, print and mobile products offer many exciting new commercial opportunities for clients. We have an enthusiastic talented commercial team whom I am looking forward to working with.”
Mark Sainsbury, currently Managing Director Cornwall and Devon Media will take on his role as Managing Director of South West Media Group and Cornwall and Devon Media.
Blanche will begin her new role on 2 January 2014.
