Bowdler announced plans to retire in 2009 last year and a successor is due to be announced in the near future, the group said.
However, over the weekend a number of national newspapers claimed John Fry, who is currently chief executive at Ipswich-based printer and publisher Archant, is to take over at the helm.
A spokeswoman for Johnston Press told PrintWeek that there was no official statement at this time.
Fry, who has been chief executive at Archant since 2002, has been identified as a potential replacement by the national press, with the much larger Johnston Press being seen as a step-up for his career.
Johnston Press has had a tough year so far, with several site closures and constant takeover speculation in the face of falling share prices.
Johnston Press silent on press speculation over Bowdler's successor
Publisher Johnston Press has remained silent on reports that it has chosen a successor to chief executive Tim Bowdler, despite rising media speculation.
