Martin steps up and Mark takes over
Two of the country’s biggest regional dailies have a new editor-in-charge following an internal shake-up that sees the previous chief moving to a group-wide role.
Mark Drew, (pictured) takes charge of the Express & Star and Shropshire Star, publications of the Midlands News Association (MNA).
The change follows the move of Mark’s predecessor, Martin Wright, to a new role as group online publisher with National World, which took over ownership of MNA last September.
Mark has spent 22 years with MNA, including stints as chief news editor, Express & Star deputy editor, Shropshire Star deputy editor and, more recently, group deputy editor. He lives in Wolverhampton and says he is passionate in his belief that the titles should be an advocate for the Black Country, Shropshire and Staffordshire and its people.
Martin, who had edited the Shropshire Star since 2013 and added the E&S to his portfolio in 2018, is understood to have moved to his new role earlier this year.
Speaking of his appointment, Mark said: “The Express & Star and Shropshire Star both have a proud tradition and I am excited to move this forward and to continue to campaign for the region and the people who live and work here. It is a responsibility that I do not take for granted and I look forward to continuing Martin’s good work as editor.”
A further change sees MNA group digital editor Mark Morris appointed to a new role of group head of business news and information for National World. The role will involve overseeing the development of a new national brand aimed at businesses across the UK.
He said: “I’m genuinely thrilled to step into this role. It has always been my view that business coverage should be at the heart of any editorial strategy, as nothing influences change in the community more than the success or failure of business. Championing local business and giving people the right information to succeed is an incredibly important role of news organisations, and I’m looking forward to providing some leadership in this area across the group.”
Meanwhile, SoPublishing, the publisher of SoGlos, the Cheltenham-based business and lifestyle news title, has appointed editor Michelle Fyrne as its chief executive. As a result, Michelle’s deputy, Chloe Gorman takes over as SoGlos editor, with Annabel Lammas becoming the new deputy editor.
