A new chief executive has been appointed at independent media company CN Group.

Miller Hogg (pictured) will succeed Robin Burgess at the Carlisle-based business, publishers of The Cumberland News

He will join the firm in August as chief executive designate, stepping up to the top job when Mr Burgess retires in January.

Mr Hogg said: “I am both honoured and delighted to be joining CN Group. This is a proud company with both a fantastic history and future. I am looking forward to working with its staff, customers and suppliers to continue its success.

“This is one of the most challenging times in history for news and information-led content media and I will be proud to lead the CN Group as it continues to develop its audience and customer offering across an ever-expanding print, broadcast and digital platform.”

Mr Hogg will be involved in drawing up the group’s 2016 business plan, as well as progressing its digital strategy.

Until last year he had been with media company Archant for seven years, his most recent role being managing director of Archant East. Before this, he was with Newsquest for six years, latterly as managing director at York.

CN Group chairman Lord Inglewood said: “We are delighted Miller has agreed to come and join us.

“His experience in both traditional media and in the digital arena will be extremely useful as we move forward. Miller also understands the sense of communities that exist around our titles and the importance of maintaining the links with the people we serve.”

Carlisle-based CN Group owns a string of newspaper titles in Cumbria, Northumberland and Scotland.

It also publishes magazines and owns two radio stations, a printing press, multiple websites, and Maddog Multimedia, the design and video business.

Mr Burgess is the fourth generation of his family to be involved in running the business.

He will succeed Lord Inglewood as non-executive chairman in May.