Trinity Mirror has announced that former Liverpool Post editor Mark Thomas will replace Alison Gow as editor of the Daily Post in Wales.
He’ll take over her responsibilities later this month, when Gow becomes editor, digital innovations and deputy digital publishing director for Trinity Mirror regionals.
Mark Thomas
Thomas’ career began at the Wirral News Group and also involved time at the Press Association as North of England correspondent and investigations editor at the Liverpool Echo. He’s also published a book on the James Bulger murder case.
Last month he oversaw the closure of the Liverpool Post after 158 years. Commenting at the time, he said: “That the Post has lasted as long is testimony to generations of brilliant and committed journalists who have worked on it.
‘’We have a history of brave and independent journalism and excellent coverage of business, arts, and sport. We will ensure we keep those traditions alive within the Liverpool Echo.’’
The North Wales Daily Post operates out of Llandudno and covers North Wales and Cheshire. Its circulation dropped 7.4% to 28,331 year on year for the six months to June.
The Liverpool and North Wales versions of the Post were the same thing until 2003, when they split to enable more localised content for their respective patches.
Of his new role, Thomas said: “I am tremendously excited to be taking up this new role. The Daily Post in Wales is like the Echo in Liverpool – it is the heart and soul of the community it serves.
Alison Gow
“Having covered North Wales as part of my Press Association patch for 14 years, and spent many a happy childhood holiday there, it is a region I have a great deal of affection for. I also know quite a few of the Llandudno Junction editorial team, having met or worked with them over the years.
“Alison Gow is leaving the Daily Post in robust good health, and taking over from her is a big challenge, but one which I know I will relish.
“After the sadness of the last few weeks, this is a wonderful start to 2014 for me, and I really couldn’t be more delighted.”
