The journalist who exposed Jimmy Savile has joined a regional publisher to run its investigative journalism operation.

Newsquest has appointed Mark Williams-Thomas as its group-wide investigations editor.

Mark, pictured, is best known for exposing disgraced broadcaster Savile as a paedophile in The Other Side of Jimmy Savile, a TV documentary he presented in 2012 which received numerous awards and led to the launch of the Operation Yewtree police investigation.

The former police detective-turned-journalist has also presented The Investigator: A British Crime Story, an ITV and Netflix crime series, and currently hosts the Fear or Favour podcast with former chief prosecutor Nazir Afzal.

Mark will be helping to develop Newsquest’s recently launched online true crime series Charged, as well as working with the company’s investigations and crime journalists to produce multimedia content across its 200-strong portfolio of news titles.

He said: “For years now investigative journalism has been on the decline and so this is a really exciting opportunity to take on this new role of investigations editor for Newsquest.

“Working with local and regional journalists we will focus on shining a light in the darkest of corners, holding people to account and bringing exciting and compelling new content to our readers, listeners, and viewers.”

Mark will report to Toby Granville, editorial development director at Newsquest.

Toby said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that Mark is joining us in this new role.

“He has an amazing track record, and his appointment reinforces our commitment and dedication to investigative journalism.”