One of the most senior editorial executives at a regional publishing group has announced he has left the business.

Mark Thompson, left, has held a variety of senior roles at National World over the past few years, most recently as its audience director.

Sources informed HTFP last month that he had not returned to work after the Christmas break but the company declined to comment at the time on whether he had left the business.

However Mark himself has now confirmed in a social media post that he left his role at the start of the year and is now looking for a new challenge.

Mark originally joined National World’s predecessor company Johnston Press as a reporter with the Sunderland Echo, working his way up to head of digital for the company’s North-East titles.

Since then he has undertaken a series of senior editorial roles including editorial director/head of audience for the North-East, editor of National World Publishing Online, and director of digital content.

Wrote Mark: “I left National World and my role as Audience Director at the turn of the year after an amazing 16 years in local, regional and national media.

“It’s a great company with so many excellent people but I feel it’s time for me to do something a little different. I leave with fantastic memories, great experiences and friends for life.

“A few highlights: Creating a whole network of new, hugely-talented city journalists along with a new national news brand, building creative and fun teams at the forefront of digital publishing, developing great partnerships with the largest digital platforms and supporting incredible growth in sport audiences.

“There are many more, such as the launch of inews.co.uk and the leadership and resilience training with Gritty People, but I feel I’m waffling already.

“I also loved my time reporting with Johnston Press/JPI Media/National World (although it’s been a while), from being a roving crime reporter and helping to uncover a family terrorising a town (including the death threats!) to covering Premier League games and being called a ‘f****** idiot’ by Gordon Strachan.

“There are too many people to thank, so I won’t mention any names in fear of leaving anyone out. You all know who you are and how grateful I am.

“So what next? Let me know if you see any opportunities out there – I am ready for a real challenge. I’ve taken a few weeks away from social media and emails to spend time with the family but I’m warming back up to things now.

“This lengthy and rich chapter may have come to an end but I’m sure there is another about to begin.”