The Edinburgh-based firm, publisher of The Scotsman and more than 300 other titles, is appointing Fry to bring the company into the online realm and lead its fight against declining advertising revenue.
Fry will replace incumbent chief executive Tim Bowdler, who made the decision to step down from his post earlier this year. Bowdler is expected to officially step down at Johnston Press' annual meeting in May, but could do so earlier.
Fry has lead the Norwich-based, family-owned Archant since 2002. He is cited for moulding the firm into a model for the industry, amid sharply declining ad revenue. The publisher of four daily regional titles including the Eastern Daily Press and a number of free glossy magazines has been able to stay buoyant due to its combination of websites and focused weekly newspapers.
Johnston Press has been among the hardest-hit publishers during the credit crunch, slow to develop its online presence while its advertising revenue has dropped. Last month it announced that half-year profits fell 18% after a £109m impairment charge against a number of its titles.
Malaysian tycoon Ananda Krishan bought a 20% take in Johnston Press in May, helping the firm remain relatively stable.
Fry was picked from a shortlisted group of five candidates from an original list of 44 potential chief executives.
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