Donaldson, who is currently head of research and insight at the NS, will take over from Roger Holland, who is stepping down after 20 years with the industry committee.
"I'm very excited about the opportunity to take JICREG forward as a proven currency that quantifies the strength of local newspapers and their websites," Donaldson said in a release from the Newspaper Society.
In the past Donaldson had worked in media research and planning roles at media companies such as the Financial Times, BBC World News and Time Magazine. He will take up the new post at JICREG on 1 August.
"Unsurprisingly, the JICREG chief executive role attracted a number of very high calibre," JICREG chairman Howard Scott said in the release.
"In appointing Keith Donaldson, we have an outstanding individual. He has an accomplished background in media and media research, and is ideally suited to continue the development of JICREG as a leading audience measurement organisation."
JICREG provides data for the majority of the UK's regional printed press.
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