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, left, has been appointed editor-on-chief of the Midlands News Association, publisher of the Express & Star and Shropshire Star.

The change comes after Mark’s predecessor Martin Wright moved to a new role as group online publisher with National World, which has owned the MNA since last September.

Mark has worked for the MNA for 22 years including stints as chief news editor, Express & Star deputy editor, Shropshire Star deputy editor and, more recently, group deputy editor.

The move, which has been officially confirmed today, has been some time in the offing as Mark had already been acting editor of the titles for several weeks.

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: “I am delighted and honoured to take on this role. 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.”