Mr Rowley will work with digital managing editor, Robert Hardie, to further develop the 30 regional news and information sites in the 'thisis' network. They will also look at Northcliffe Newspapers' digital activities more broadly across the group.
Mr Rowley, the former digital director of the Evening Standard, will report to Mark Milner, managing director, AN Digital Integrated Media.
Mr Milner said: "Since we created AN Digital Integrated Media earlier this year, we've expanded rapidly and had much success; we've achieved significant growth on ThisisLondon.co.uk and we are now at a point on the 'thisis' network where, with Mike and Robert in place, we have first-class digital management working with exceptional digital teams.
"Mike has been the driving force behind ThisisLondon.co.uk and, with his wealth of digital and newspaper publishing experience, it was clear he was the best man to work with me and Northcliffe's Regional MDs as we roll-out our local digital strategy."
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