Peter Franzen appointed James Paget Hospital chairman
The new interim chairman of a hospital warned over the quality of its care has insisted the trust is on the "road to recovery".
Former local newspaper editor Peter Franzen replaces John Hemming at James Paget University Hospitals, in Gorleston, Norfolk.
Mr Hemming resigned after saying he had become a political "hindrance". He had faced calls to step down from an MP.
The hospital has failed two inspections by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Mr Franzen, who retired as editor of Norwich-based Eastern Daily Press in 2009, has been a non-executive director of the trust for a year.
"I believe we are already on the road to recovery, whatever the outcome of the third CQC report," said Mr Franzen.
"I have no quibble with the CQC. They saw things that we didn't and it is up to us to put it right.
"My role is to build on the good work that has been going on to satisfy the requirements of the CQC."
The hospital, that serves east Norfolk and north Suffolk, is awaiting the results of a third CQC inspection and has faced criticism from MPs.
Suffolk Coastal Conservative MP Therese Coffey had called for Mr Hemming to quit over the hospital's failed inspections.
Problems with nutrition were uncovered at the hospital earlier this year during an inspection of care for the elderly by the CQC.
When the issues had not been resolved during a return visit in September, the hospital was issued with a warning notice.
If swift improvements are not made, it could face sanctions including prosecution or closure of services.
The hospital serves north Suffolk and east Norfolk.