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Former regional daily editor takes reins at B2B website

HolbrookA former Northern Echo editor who went on to work in national newspapers is returning to regional journalism.

Karl Holbrook, left, is taking up the reins at North-focused B2B website Prolific North as its new consulting editor, weeks after setting up his own business aimed at ‘celebrating the North’

After editing Newsquest titles the Echo, Bolton News and Lancashire Telegraph, Karl joined Reach plc as executive editor of the Daily Express and went on to launch the national daily’s US edition in New York.

He left Reach at the end of last year, one of a number of high-profile departures on its national titles, and has since set up his own PR and media consultancy, North Squared Media.

Karl now takes on the senior editorial role at Prolific North which was recently advertised after David Prior stepped aside as editor after 11 years.

Launched in 2013, the website aims to connect and inform the North’s creative and digital sectors through industry news, insights and events, attracting an average of 120,000 monthly unique visitors.

Karl, who began his journalism career in his hometown of Chorley, describes himself as a “proud Notherner” and has long championed the region in his various newspaper roles.

His initial three-month consultancy with Prolific North will see him focusing on audience development.

Said Karl: “Prolific North has always set the standard for championing the incredible creativity and innovation of this region. As a proud Northerner, I’m thrilled to be joining forces with such a respected brand and contributing to its continued success.

“I’ve been working with the team this month and we’ve already seen some incredible audience growth – up 250pc year on year.

“By focusing on audience development, something I have vast experience with, I’m confident we can take this already exceptional platform to new heights. This project feels like the start of an exciting and meaningful partnership.

“My career has taken me around the world, but being able to bring that experience back to a region I care so deeply about is a real privilege.”

Prolific North managing director Alexandra Balazs added: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be working with Karl. From the moment we first connected, the ideas were flowing and we were already brainstorming exciting new ways to deliver even more valuable content to our readers.

“His experience and track record speak for themselves, and I’m secretly delighted he’s chosen to bring his incredible skills from the world of national publications to Prolific North.

“The early results have been nothing short of extraordinary and Karl’s drive and creative thinking have injected a welcome new dynamic into our team.

“I’m genuinely excited to learn from him, and even more excited to see what we can achieve together as we take Prolific North to the next level.”