Newspaper chairman standing down

Jersey politician Frank Walker has retired as chairman of the Guiton Group, which owns the Guernsey Press and the Jersey Evening Post.

He is standing down to concentrate on his duties as president of Jersey's Policy and Resources Committee.

Senator Walker has been involved in the business since being appointed managing director in the 1970s and was chairman of the company's board for 15 years.

Group Chief Executive John Averty has been named as his successor.

In addition to the Guernsey Press and the Jersey Evening Post, the group's subsidiary companies include the computer firm Itex and CI Newsagents.

The board and company owners Claverly paid tribute to the Senator Walker, saying his drive, knowledge and flair had been of considerable benefit to the company.