Bert Hardy, the former chairman of the Barclay Brothers' newspaper interests, European Press Holdings, has returned to the media after an absence due to illness.

Mr Hardy, whose media jobs have ranged from deputy chairman of Channel 4 to chief executive of News International and Associated Newspapers, has joined Accord Holdings Ltd as a non-executive director.

He quit the Barclay Brothers' business shortly after winding down the European, when he fell ill, but is understood to be fully recovered.

Accord, which owns two advertising agencies: Conrad Advertising and Conrad UK, specialises in travel advertising, particularly for teletext services.

Mr Hardy is understood to have joined the company as it is planning to develop and acquire web publishing businesses that complement its existing base.

Accord chairman Bob Walton, also formerly of Associated Newspapers and the Evening Standard, is believed to have built up a substantial war chest to fund acquisitions. Announcements are expected in the next month.