King, who is expected to join the global digital performance publisher on 1 July 2022, will take over from Stuart Simms. Simms, XLMedia’s existing CEO, announced his intention to step down on 4 April 2022, and will leave the group following a period supporting an orderly handover with King.

As noted by XLMedia, King brings extensive leadership and financial expertise to the role, having held a number of senior executive roles in companies throughout the media sector. His most recent position was CEO of JPIMedia Group, leading the group through a “period of considerable change”.

King commented: “I am delighted to join XLMedia and am looking forward to working with the senior leadership team and all of the group’s staff, alongside the board, to lead the business in delivering the next phase of its development and realising the benefits of the company’s growth strategy.”

Prior to entering local media, King was appointed Time Out’s first CEO, following nine years as CFO of BBC Worldwide. He is also a qualified accountant, and spent six years as a Management Consultant at PwC.

Marcus Rich, Non-Executive Chair at XLMedia, commented: “We are delighted to welcome David to XLMedia and believe that, with his significant digital publishing experience and proven track record of leading change, he will be a key asset in helping us capitalise on a number of growth initiatives.

“David’s extensive knowledge of the media sector makes him the ideal candidate to lead the group and I and the board look forward to working with him.”