Otago Daily Times chief of staff Craig Page has been appointed Allied Press Communities editor.
Mr Page (45) replaces Stu Oldham, who has been appointed editor of the Ashburton Guardian.
Mr Page has been the Otago Daily Times' chief of staff for the past six years. Before that, he was the newspaper's sports editor.
Mr Page said it was a privilege to be appointed to his new role.
''Allied Press' community newspapers are an important part of our communities.
''I want to continue the good work carried out by our team and ensure we keep our readers informed and entertained with the latest news from their areas.''
Allied Press Communities comprises Southern Rural Life, The Star (Dunedin), The News (Central Otago), The Ensign (Gore), The Courier (Timaru), Courier Country, and North Otago Times.
Mr Oldham (39) has been editor since 2012. His tenure coincided with the titles growing in size and the group enjoying continued and enviable success in national awards.
''I've been very lucky to be part of a proud tradition of good, strong community news that's supported by good, strong communities,'' he said.
''It's been a privilege to work with such talented and dedicated journalists and sales staff - and a privilege to help present the stories that readers trust us to tell.''
Mr Page assumes the role in the last week of this month. Mr Oldham starts at the Ashburton Guardian in June.