The board of XLMedia Plc has confirmed the appointment of David King as inbound Chief Executive of the London AIM-listed global igaming media publisher. 

Effective from 1 July 2022, the appointment will see King succeed Stuart Simms, who announced his resignation as CEO of XLMedia in April.

A UK media figurehead, King is the former Chief Executive of JPIMedia Group, Britain’s leading regional news publisher formerly known as Johnston Press Plc.

During his tenure as CEO of JPIMedia, King led the business through a period of considerable transformation that included executing a ‘digital acceleration programme’ that transformed the publisher’s commercial strategy and media assets.  

Prior to leading JPIMedia’s business transformation, King had served as CEO of Timeout Group (2008-2012)  and as CFO of BBC Worldwide operations (1998-2008).

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.“

 Last summer XLMedia undertook a reorganisation of its publisher network, divesting under-performing European portals and further non-core business assets.  

The firm’s growth focus is fixed on building its US portfolio, in which XLMedia has secured coverage in over 15 licensed states, as its commercial presence is expected to be enlarged as more states legalise online sports betting.

King stated: “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.”