Editor changes at Manchester Evening News and other Trinity Mirror titles

The editor of the Manchester Evening News is to step down, sparking several changes at a number of other Trinity Mirror titles.

Maria McGeoghan will leave her role as editor of Manchester Evening News and as editor-in-chief of 20 weekly newspapers.

She took on the role in 2009 after serving as deputy editor of the title.

Rob Irvine will take over the role of editor of MEN and editor-in-chief of the MEN Media titles, moving from his current position as editor of the Daily Post in North Wales. In addition, Irvine will take on a wider regional editorial responsibility for Huddersfield, the release states.

A separate release states Alison Gow has been appointed as the new editor of the Daily Post, joining the title from Media Wales, where she is currently the editor of Wales Online and the Wales on Sunday.

Succeeding Gow as editor of Wales on Sunday will be Simon Farrington. Ceri Gould is promoted to the role of editor of Wales Online.

A release from Trinity Mirror credits outgoing MEN editor McGeoghan with "presiding over record online audience figures for the MEN website".

McGeoghan, who has been at the title for 14 years, said in the release: "This has been a really difficult decision for me to make as I am exceptionally proud of the MEN Media team and everything we have achieved together, but feel the time is now right for me to go.

"I leave with very fond memories and a wish for the business to go from strength to strength as it repositions itself in this digital age. My successor will not find a more dedicated or talented newsroom."

New MEN editor Irvine said in the release: "My move to Manchester offers great new challenges. I feel honoured and privileged to be given the opportunity to edit the Manchester Evening News, a newspaper which I grew up with and which I have always admired.

"Similarly, I know the MEN weeklies are very committed to the communities they serve and I look forward to supporting their future development."

New Daily Post editor Gow said: "I'm delighted to be joining the Daily Post; it's a great title, both online and in print, with a strong tradition of excellent journalism, and a real understanding of the community it serves. I'm looking forward to being a part of that and, of course, to living in such a beautiful area of the country.”

Steve Anderson Dixon, managing director of Trinity Mirror North West and Wales added: "I'm naturally disappointed at Maria's decision as she is an exceptional editor with an ability to lead and inspire the newsroom, and she will be greatly missed. I would like to wish her all the very best for the future.

"I'm delighted that Rob will be taking over at the helm of MEN Media. He is an accomplished and proven editor who offers a tremendous amount of experience. He has done an excellent job with the Daily Post and I wish him all the best in his new role as editor-in-chief of the MEN and its portfolio of weekly titles."

In a separate release he said: "Alison, Simon and Ceri come with a solid pedigree in the Welsh media and will bring their invaluable insight, experience and journalistic judgement to their new roles. I wish them all the very best in their new positions.”

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