Keith, currently head of research and insight at the Newspaper Society, succeeds Roger Holland who is stepping down from the post after working for JICREG for 20 years.
Keith said: “I’m very excited about the opportunity to take JICREG forward as a proven currency that quantifies the strength of local newspapers and their websites.”
Keith (pictured) started his career in media research at the Financial Times and over a 20 year career has held research and media planning roles at organisations including BBC World News, MediaVest, and Saatchi & Saatchi London and Time Magazine.
He takes up the JICREG position on 1 August after five years at the Newspaper Society.
Howard Scott, JICREG chairman said: “Unsurprisingly, the JICREG chief executive role attracted a number of very high calibre candidates. In appointing Keith Donaldson, we have an outstanding individual.
“He has an accomplished background in media and media research, and is ideally suited to continue the development of JICREG as a leading audience measurement organisation.”
Lynne Robinson, IPA research director and JICREG board director, added: “Keith is ideally suited to steer JICREG through our increasingly complex communication landscape.
“He has a proven research background from both a media owner and agency perspective and has a thorough understanding of the challenges facing the regional press.”
Robert Ray, NS marketing director, said: “Keith has made a terrific contribution to our industry’s research and insight initiatives such as the wanted ads and Local Matters and JICREG will benefit from his passion and understanding of local media, the research industry and the overall media landscape.”
