Philip Graf, chief executive of Trinity Mirror, has announced his resignation.

He will step down next summer, allowing time for the group to appoint his successor.

Philip was appointed chief executive of the group in September 1999 following the merger of Trinity plc and Mirror Group plc.

Prior to his role at Trinity Mirror, he spent 15 years with Trinity plc, becoming chief executive in 1993.

Philip said: "After ten years as chief executive of initially Trinity and subsequently Trinity Mirror, deciding to step down was tough.

"I feel however that the foundations we have laid have created a strong platform for growth and I feel that this period of notice will enable an orderly succession to take place.

"In the meantime, I shall continue enthusiastically to lead the team during what will be a year of considerable progress for the business."

Group chairman, Sir Victor Blank, is heading a subcommittee to find a successor for Philip.

Trinity Mirror is the biggest newspaper publisher in the UK. Its regional titles include the Liverpool Post & Echo, Newcastle Chronicle and Journal, Middlesbrough Evening Gazette, the Western Mail & Echo, Birmingham Post & Mail, Coventry Evening Telegraph and Huddersfield Examiner.

Trinity Mirror also owns a share of Holdthefrontpage, together with Northcliffe and Newsquest.

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