Taylor replaces Jeff Green, who has been appointed president and publisher of the Asheville Citizen-Times.

"Jason has demonstrated his sales leadership and I can't think of a better person to drive our revenue objectives at this time," Advertiser publisher Mike Fisch said. Taylor's appointment takes effect immediately.

Taylor, 31, was recently named one of 13 award-of-excellence winners among Gannett Co.'s retail and classified advertising managers.

He joined The Advertiser in 2004 as retail ad director and was promoted a year later. Before joining the paper in 2004, Taylor was the general manager for The Times in Gainesville, Ga., and the director of advertising and marketing of The Daily News Journal in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

The Citizen-Times, in Asheville, N. Carolina, is part of the Gannett Co. network of newspapers, which includes The Advertiser.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for Jeff and I know he will be successful in his new role," said Fisch.

"He's made great contributions to The Advertiser during his tenure and I thank him for those and the team he has built."

Green's appointment is effective immediately. He will be in Asheville for the announcement.