New newspaper MD for News in Australia

News Limited continues its management restructure as Jerry Harris follows Kim Williams up the ladder to become the new managing director for group newspapers and digital products.

According to Williams, News’ recently installed new chief executive, the two will be working together to ensure a required management focus is achieved within the newspaper group. “At the same time, we will be accelerating the roll-out of premium digital content by each masthead across online, mobile, and other emerging platforms,” he says.

Currently the managing director of News Queensland, Harris will be expanding his masthead domain from The Courier-Mail, Sunday Mail and regional titles to encompass all titles that fly under the News Ltd flag.

Reporting directly to Williams, Harris will to take on the new role in Sydney from 16 January 2012. His successor at News Queensland will be announced in the New Year.

“Jerry brings the experience, drive and commitment needed to ensure we continue to produce the most compelling content and the most commercially successful media assets in the industry,” says Williams.

With 30 years of associated News experience under his belt, Harris has steadily climbed the ranks since his first job at News International in 1981. He began as a classified sales executive at Times Newspapers in London.

Harris (pictured) says he feels honoured to answer Williams’ call by returning to Sydney and taking on a broader role across all of News newspapers and respective websites.

“The deep connections our news brands have with their communities across Australia, is a powerful platform from which to grow our business during this time of great challenge and opportunity,” Harris adds.

This appointment follows the departure of chief operating officer Peter Macourt, who has ended a 28-year career within News.