The newspaper executive who mastermined the merger which created Trinity Mirror in 1999 has been made the chairman of a new body to oversee the UK gambling industry.

Philip Graf became chief executive of Trinity in 1993 when its biggest newspaper titles were the Liverpool Daily Post and Echo.

Two years later, it took over Thomson Regional Newspapers, whose titles included Newcastle’s Chronicle and Journal and Cardiff’s Western Mail and Echo, to become one of the country’s biggest regional press groups.

Then, in 1999, it merged with Mirror Group to create Trinity Mirror. Mr Graf stayed on as chief executive until 2003 when he was succeeded by Sly Bailey.

His appointment as chairman of the Gambling Commission was announced by ministers yesterday and will take effect on 1 April. He will receive a fee of £550 per day for an average of two to three days’ work

In his new role, Mr Graf will now oversee another merger, namely between the Gambling Commission and National Lottery Commission.

Culture Minister John Penrose said: “Philip Graf has a wealth of knowledge as a board member and his vast experience will serve him well as he takes up his post at the Gambling Commission.

“This will be even more important as the merger takes place, to provide strong leadership and support to all those involved, and I have no doubt he will rise to the challenge.”