IAN Russell is to step down as chairman of Johnston Press because of an "acute illness in his family".
The newspaper publisher said Mr Russell, a former chef executive of Scottish Power, will leave the role by the end of December this year. Senior independent director Camilla Rhodes will take the helm as interim chairman.
Chief executive Ashley Highfield said: "I'd like to thank Ian for his tireless work on behalf of Johnston Press, first as a non-executive director and, since 2009, as chairman.
"His guidance and advice have been invaluable to me and his board colleagues throughout that time and he will leave with our warmest best wishes."
The owner of the i newspaper, The Scotsman and The Yorkshire Post said the hunt for a permanent successor had now begun.
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