IAIN Aiken admits he has had the "knack of seeing which way the business is going".

For example, Mr Aiken, who steps down as managing director of Newsquest Digital Media and main board director of Newsquest Media on April 7 -- his 58th birthday -- has predicted the newspaper industry will further embrace the use of technology to enter a whole new phase.

He said: "The technology exists for personalising newspapers for individuals.

"They could be delivered electronically and include things the subscriber is interested in, while leaving out things they are not interested in.

"Advertisements will be more personal and directed at the individual.

"But it won't be me that will be doing it."

Mr Aiken's first taste of newspapers was in advertising sales at the Liverpool Daily Post and Echo group, in his native city. Prior to that he had been an English teacher in Bolton.

Of the vocational move Mr Aiken, of Mellor, said: "It was a huge culture shock but I wanted to try something else.

"I was 28 years old and I thought to myself 'will I enjoy teaching when I'm 40?' It's not something I regret."

After six years at the newspaper Mr Aiken was part of a six-strong team which launched the Citizen.

As part of an agreement with his former employers, the fledgling newspaper was not allowed to be circulated within Liverpool -- and he came to Blackburn, which he described as the ideal breeding ground for the project.

Launches followed across East Lancashire -- and indeed Lancashire as a whole -- building up a stable of 14 successful titles.

Mr Aiken said: "I was very proud of the fact that the Citizens were very news orientated, with a significant news content.

"I still think free newspapers work very well and provide an efficient service."

Mr Aiken joined the Newsquest group - then Reed International - in 1988 when it acquired the Citizens.

After stints as managing director in a number of regions, including Lancashire, Bradford, Kendal and Cheshire, Mr Aiken set up the pioneering Newsquest Digital Media.

When he retires Mr Aiken said he plans to spend more time with his family, wife Sheila, a former chemistry teacher at Westholme, Blackburn, and children Gavin, 29, and Miranda, 24, and pursue his varied interests.

He is a member of Blackburn Golf Club.

A horse owner and keen fan of all sports, the Liverpool supporter has a penchant for sailing and is the co-owner of a boat currently moored at Windermere.

But it may just venture further afield as he combines his hobby with his love of foreign travel.

He said: "Sea-sailing is a lot more exciting than lake-sailing so I wouldn't be too surprised at that!"