Thelma Henderson (pictured) replaces Roy Fox, who has retired after 26 years as MD.
“I am extremely pleased to have been appointed and given the opportunity to build on the successes of the group,” said Thelma (45), who had served as assistant managing director for three years.
“Across the UK the newspaper industry is facing unprecedented challenges due to a combination of the recession and the impact of the internet – this makes it an exciting time to be at the helm.
“The strength of our newspapers has always been their links with the local communities they serve.
“Substantial recent investment in content management and advertising systems will give us great opportunities to continue to develop a multimedia business that can meet the changing needs of our readers and advertisers.”
Born and brought up in Aberdeenshire, Thelma began her newspaper career with Aberdeen Journals 26 years ago. She spent six years there before moving to Inverness.
Although she started out in advertising sales, Thelma’s role has developed over the years to encompass the broader aspects of the business.
She has played a key part in the successful development of SPP, which publishes a dozen weekly paid-for newspapers and three free newspapers along with a wide range of specialist publications. The group employs almost 300 staff.
Thelma became assistant managing director in 2006, having been group marketing manager prior to that.
She is married with two teenage daughters.
Thelma is looking forward to the challenge of succeeding Roy Fox, who retired as MD at the end of July and is taking up the post of non-executive director.
She said: “Having worked with Roy for the full 20 years I have been with SPP I have benefited greatly from his depth of knowledge about the communities we serve, the newspaper industry in general and, of course, SPP. He will be greatly missed and it is very rewarding to be given the opportunity to continue his work.”
Roy commented: “Thelma was interviewed alongside candidates from the wider industry and the ability, enthusiasm and drive that she demonstrated during this process secured her the position ahead of stiff competition. The board has every confidence in her.”
About SPP
SPP says: “Scottish Provincial Press publishes 12 weekly paid-for newspapers in the Highlands and Moray – the Caithness Courier, John O’Groat Journal, Northern Times, Ross-shire Journal, North Star, Inverness Courier, Highland News, Lochaber News, Northern Scot, Strathspey & Badenoch Herald, Forres Gazette and Banffshire Journal – as well as a wide range of magazines and supplements. The group is currently enhancing its online presence by investing in new web systems for editorial and advertising.”
