Jarrold joined the plc in a business development role in February. Prior to that he was managing director of Southernprint but left after it was acquired by Walstead Investments.

In his new position he will report to Giles Richell, who is managing director of the overall web business including both St Ives Web and St Ives Direct.

Chief executive Patrick Martell said: "Charles is respected by publishers and we recognised his experience when we brought him into the group in the first place. We want to focus our magazine offering more sharply around customers and Charles will do that for us.

"Now he's established in the business he has a broader understanding of the whole group, and he can bring that know-how to our magazine customers too," Martell added.

Jarrold said: "I'm absolutely delighted to be taking up this role. Yes, it's a tough market, but the opportunity for St Ives is to make sure the market fully understands the strength and breadth of its offering."