(Sharecast News) - Digital performance publisher XLMedia has tapped Marcus Rich to take over as chairman, with immediate effect.

XLMedia stated on Thursday that Rich, the current chairman of AIM-listed media firm Digitalbox, will bring "a wealth of experience" to the company, having held both executive and non-executive roles at corporations across the media sector.

Prior to joining Digitalbox, Rich spent five years at DMGT, where he held the role of managing director of the Mail On Sunday before becoming commercial director at Associated Newspapers. He also spent six years as chief executive of TI Media.

Rich said: "I am really looking forward to working with the team following the period of strategic redirection to maximise the digital opportunities from the existing assets and take advantage of the growth opportunities in the core areas of sports betting in a marketplace that is constantly evolving."

As of 1310 BST, XLMedia shares were up 4.59% at 38.70p.