Hall replaces Adam Adamou, who stepped down from the position effective Feb. 10. Adamou will continue to serve IDC as a director. Hall previously served as chairman and CEO of Journal Register Co., a U.S.-based pure-play newspaper publisher.

   “With [Hall’s] appointment as chairman and because he is independent, it is no longer necessary for IDC to have a lead director. As such, IDC Lead Director Frank Ruffolo has stepped down from such position, effective immediately. Ruffolo will continue to serve IDC as a director,” IDC said in a company statement.