MUNSTER -- Martin Albornoz has been named director of interactive media for The Times, Publisher Bill Masterson announced today.

Albornoz will start at The Times and nwi.com on Friday.

"I am happy to announce that Mr. Albornoz has been offered and accepted the position of director of interactive media," Masterson said. "Martin's extensive and broad-based experience in the newspaper, magazine and online fields made him the perfect candidate to lead our very important nwi.com product.

"nwi.com has been quickly becoming a dominant advertising and information medium in Northwest Indiana, and we needed to make sure that we have the right person to lead our team during this time" Masterson said.

Masterson said Albornoz emerged as the top finalist after a nationwide search.

"I am excited about the opportunity to join The Times' staff," Albornoz said. "My wife and I fell in love with the area and the people. I am committed to working with this great team to build an effective world-class Web site that serves the Northwest Indiana community. I want nwi.com to be a shining example of what a newspaper can accomplish when it embraces the future."

Albornoz is leaving The Orange County Register in southern California, where he launched many interactive products. During his time at The Register, he managed the strategic alliance between The Register and Monster.com, spearheaded the partnership with classified Web site Kaango, launched several online video products, and developed new Web sites, such as the Best of Orange County and The Orange County Register's online media kit. Before joining The Register, Albornoz was the publisher and founder of the LA Alternative, a newsweekly covering people, culture and politics in Los Angeles. He also founded Frontera magazine, a Latino arts and culture magazine.

Albornoz has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California at Berkeley. Albornoz is married to Yvette Doss and they have two children, Zoe and Emily.