Media group Archant has announced that its chairman, Richard Jewson, is to retire at the end of 2013, after 17 years in the post.

East Anglian Daily Times: Richard Wyatt, who is to become chairman of Archant from January 1, 2014.Richard Wyatt, who is to become chairman of Archant from January 1, 2014. (Image: Archant)

The board of Archant, whose titles include the East Anglian Daily Times and the Ipswich Star, has appointed Richard Wyatt, already a non-executive director of the company, as his successor.

“I have been honoured to serve as both a director and chairman of Archant for the last 31 years,” said Mr Jewson. “During that time I have seen Archant grow from a small newspaper company in East Anglia into a successful community media business operating across the UK.

“I have always intended to retire by the time I reach 70 and this is a now a good time to hand over to my successor, Richard Wyatt, to whom I wish all success.”

Mr Jewson, who is currently the Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, is also chairman of Raven Russia plc, a director of a number of other companies and chairman of the council of the University of East Anglia.

Mr Wyatt, 54, who has been a non-executive director at Archant since 2005, will take up the role of chairman from January 1, 2014.

He is already chairman of Loudwater Investment Partners and media agency the Engine Group, and also a senior adviser of NM Rothschild and a trustee of Aldeburgh Music. He was formerly a managing director of Schroder Securities and Lazard.

“I am delighted to have been appointed as chairman of Archant,” said Mr Wyatt. “I would wish to pay the strongest of tributes to Richard Jewson, who has contributed to the success and growth of Archant for more than 30 years.

“He is, and will remain, a source of wise counsel for me, and I wish him well in his retirement.”

Adrian Jeakings, Archant chief executive, said: “Richard has played a major role in the development of Archant. He has been hugely helpful to me since I took on the role of chief executive and I wish him every happiness in his retirement. I am delighted that Richard Wyatt has accepted the position of Archant chairman and look forward to working with him in the future.”