Duckworth will be responsible for driving all commercial revenues across the client publishers, and will report to chief executive Dr Nicola Murphy.
Duckworth spent a year at Conde Nast's Easy Living and has also held the role of head of client sales for the Independent and head of market at Bauer Media prior to that.
Murphy said: "With more than 20 years in the business Jacquie brings immense experience and senior fire power to the commercial team at River and her experience makes her well placed to spear head multi-channel, big brand deals across our portfolio."
River produces customer publications for clients including Honda, Superdrug, Holland & Barrett and Virgin Holidays.
