McLaughlin’s move comes as TMG puts in place a framework enabling it to quickly put its digital news content behind a paywall, should it wish to do so, according to an industry source.
TMG does not currently charge for its general news content. However, according to the source, the new framework would enable it to "push the button" should it decide to charge for this content, and thus follow rival newspaper group News International.
McLaughlin’s promotion follows the departure of Will Lewis, the group’s editor-in-chief and managing director of digital, who left earlier this year for News International.
Lewis’ departure was followed by the exit of the Telegraph's chief information officer and digital leader, Paul Cheesbrough, who also joined Nl.
McLaughlin will report to TMG chief executive Murdoch MacLennan and will take on some of Lewis's responsibilities. He will work closely with, among others, Nancy Cruickshank, executive director of digital development.
Reporting to him will be marketing director Graham Horner and digital executives.
McLaughlin was previously executive director of consumer revenues and prior to that, newspaper sales director, where he oversaw TMG's circulation units, subscriptions and in-paper promotions.
TMG is currently looking for a new newspaper sales director, who will report to MacLennan.
TMG was unavailable for comment.
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