Tom Hunt appointed editor-in-chief of Express

Tom Hunt, the Daily Express‘s online editorial director, has been appointed as editor-in-chief, effective immediately.

He replaces Gary Jones, who has announced he has stepped down from the role after six years.

Hunt has held positions at the Express for over eight years, including roles as video news editor and head of news.

“I’m honoured to be taking on this role and to build on what the team has already achieved,” Hunt said.

“The Express has unparalleled understanding of its audience — our readers are amongst the most engaged across any newsbrand as we saw just last week with the incredible response to our Winter Fuel campaign.”

Jones joined Mirror Group in 1996 and was named Express editor in 2018 after the paper, along with Star titles, was purchased by the Trinity Mirror from Richard Desmond. After the purchase, Trinity Mirror rebranded as Reach.

The Guardian reported earlier this week that Jones had departed, though a successor was not previously named.

The Media Leader understands that Jones (pictured, left) did not leave as part of broader turnover among senior management and that Hunt is likely to recruit a replacement for his previous role in the near term.

Other Reach titles have, however, seen changes in leadership this year. In January, Mirror editor Allison Phillips stepped down after five years at the title. She was subsequently replaced by Caroline Waterston.

“It’s been a privilege to have served the readers for so many years,” said Jones. “Long may they continue to value and cherish the journalism we publish.

“I have tried my level best to continue in the great campaigning traditions of the Mirror and Express and would like to offer my appreciation to the colleagues, politicians, organisations and individuals who have shared my passion for bringing positive change.”

The news comes in the same week as Reach CEO Jim Mullen warned that journalism is facing an “existential battle for survival” against Big Tech companies.

Mullen has previously admitted that Reach’s print titles could become loss-making within the next five years.

Reach CEO: Sun and Mail are our allies in ‘battle for survival’