Mike Wright, former general manager at the Daily Echo, Southampton, has been appointed managing director of the Daily Echo's associated newspaper interests in Bournemouth.

He moved from Southampton to become managing director of parent group Newsquest's operations at Stourbridge last October, and returns to the South Coast to take control of Newsquest's Bournemouth operation.

He has 30 years' newspaper experience, including a large proportion with the Wolverhampton Express & Star where he was circulations director (1990-93) and then sales and marketing director (1993-97).

Before moving to Southampton, he held the post of commercial development manager with the Newspaper Society, the body representing the UK's regional press.

His appointment is among a series of senior moves by Daily Echo publisher Newsquest, the country's second largest regional newspaper group.

In tandem with Mr Wright's appointment, Alex Cummings has been appointed managing director of Newsquest's Weymouth centre where he was general manager.

Mr Cummings had been general manager of Newsquest's Weymouth operation since January 1997.

His newspaper career spans more than 30 years and includes a variety of senior positions including general manager and executive editor of the Advertiser free newspaper series - circulating in parts of Dorset and Hampshire - and the editor of its paid-for predecessor, the Times Herald group.

At Newsquest's regional headquarters at Southampton, Stewart Dunn remains regional managing director for Newsquest Southern, responsible for Southampton, Winchester, New Media and the region's overall marketing strategy.