PUBLISHING POST:Maeve Donovan, managing director of The Irish Times Ltd, has been appointed chairwoman of the National Newspapers of Ireland (NNI), the representative body for daily, Sunday and national weekly newspapers.

She succeeds Gavin O'Reilly, chief operating officer, IN&M plc, who has held the position since 1999. Ms Donovan started out on her career in newspapers in 1977, becoming managing director of The Irish Times Ltd in January 2002.

Ms Donovan said of her appointment: "The Irish newspaper industry has undergone a period of immense innovation, diversification and significant investment in recent years and this is set to continue.

"I am greatly looking forward to working with my fellow publishers to ensure the ongoing success and growth of the industry during my term as chairman."