A senior editorial leader who was given the job of overseeing a raft of local titles earlier this year has moved to a new PR role with a local housing association.

Gary Oliver was appointed as publishing editor for National World’s titles in the North-East and Scotland in a major restructure in February, having previously been editor of the Sunderland Echo.

The same restructure saw Portsmouth News editor Mark Waldron become publishing editor covering the South and Midlands while Nicola Adam took on the same role in the North-West and Yorkshire.

However while they remain in post, Gary, pictured, has now left the publisher to become communications manager at Sunderland-based housing association Gentoo.

Gary told HTFP: “I thoroughly enjoyed my 30 years working in the local media and have many wonderful memories, but the time was right for an exciting new chapter.

“I was delighted to have the opportunity to join Gentoo and work with some fantastic colleagues to help show the very important work it does in Sunderland and the North East.”

Gary joined his hometown paper the Shields Gazette as a trainee in 1993 before a spell with the North News and Pictures agency.

He returned to the Gazette to cover Newcastle United, who the poached him to become their head of media and communications in 2005.

Returning to the Gazette for a third stint in 2020 as head of content, he later went on to carry out the same role at the Sunderland Echo before becoming its editor in 2020.

National World has not responded to requests for further information on Gary’s departure from the business. However HTFP understands his previous responsibilities have been shared between Mark and Nicola.