The chief executive of The Australian and News Digital Media, Richard Freudenstein, and editor-in-chief Chris Mitchell today announced the appointment of John Allan as the newspaper’s chief operating officer.

Mr Allan, currently chief executive officer of TrueLocal.com.au, starts in his new role on July 18 and will report to Mr Freudenstein.

As chief operating officer Mr Allan will be responsible for the day to day commercial operations of The Australian, including sales, marketing, circulation, digital, operations and events.

Mr Freudenstein said that Mr Allan’s extensive experience across print and digital would prove invaluable to The Australian as it continues its growth in readership and revenue across multiple platforms.

“I am particularly pleased to be announcing John’s appointment. John has worked at the highest levels of advertising sales, marketing, digital and operations across newspapers, magazines and online, and has outstanding business, analytical and leadership skills,” Mr Freudenstein said.

“In particular, as we move towards the introduction of digital subscription packages, John’s digital acumen will prove a real asset to The Australian.

“His brief is to execute the strategy put together by Chris Mitchell and myself, focusing on circulation, advertising sales and digital growth.”

Mr Allan said “I love newspapers and so feel privileged to be given the opportunity to work on The Australian, which to me is the best news brand in the country by some margin.

“As newspapers continue to evolve their business models across multiple digital platforms, The Australian is leading the industry. I look forward to working with Richard and Chris as we implement our strategy for the future growth and success of The Australian.

“I would also like to thank everyone at TrueLocal, both past and present, for the past three and a half years. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time there and wish Michael Solomon, Chris Hitchen and the new management team the very best.”

Mr Allan began his career in media at News Limited in 1994 as an advertising manager on the Herald Sun and Sunday Herald Sun.

In 1997 he joined Fairfax Media as advertising director for The Age and The Sunday Age, and was promoted to associate publisher of the two titles in 1999. In 2000 he was promoted to group publisher of Fairfax Media with responsibility for group advertising, the company’s magazines and research.

In 2002 Mr Allan left Fairfax to become publisher and then managing director of Viamedia, publisher of MELBOURNEmagazine, Unique Traveller and Dine Out guides. In 2005, Mr Allan joined Federal Publishing Company (FPC) as group publishing director of their newspapers across NSW.

After News Limited’s acquisition of FPC in 2007, Mr Allan was appointed general manager – integration, leading a number of digital strategies. Later that year Mr Allan was appointed chief executive officer of TrueLocal.com.au.

Chris Mitchell continues to report to News Limited chairman and chief executive John Hartigan.