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London-based leading media group Johnston Press said it had appointed Jeff Moriarty to head the company as its Chief Digital and Product Officer. Moriarty currently serves The Boston Globe as Vice President, Digital Products. He also acts as the General Manager for Boston.com in the US. The statement said Moriarty has been integral in fueling the portfolio's success.

Moriarty will be taking on his new role in April. The statement said he will be responsible for formulating the vision and developing the firm's digital strategy while continuing on the company's latest successes. Johnston Press has seen a 45% year on year rise of its digital audiences. Last month, its unique users reached 13.7 million.

The company said Moriarty was appointed after a worldwide search. Most of his career was spent at The New York Times Company. He has served in various vice president and general manager roles in segments like classified products, new media, product & technology and product management. He was also the designer and developer of BostonGlobe.com, looked upon as one of the most successful regional subscription-based website in the country. The regional site is known for its use of Responsive Web Design to facilitate the move towards mobile devices, the statement said.

Johnston Press Chief Executive Officer Ashley Highfield said in the statement, "Jeff is an outstanding candidate and the knowledge, experience, insight and innovation that he will bring to Johnston Press will help us forge ahead with our ambitious growth plans. Our digital revenues have grown by 60% and in many parts of the UK they now account for 20% of our overall advertising revenues (as recently as 2010 they made up only 5%). Jeff's exceptional track record will ensure our growth continues and I very much look forward to welcoming him aboard."

Moriarty will be taking the place of Henry Faure Walker, former Johnston Press Digital & Business Development Director, who has been named as the Chief Executive Officer of Newsquest, the statement said.