Independent News & Media (INM) has appointed Des Gibson to the newly created role of INM Tabloid Platform Editor. He will direct a new seven-day newsroom at the ‘Sunday World’ and the ‘Herald’ newspapers.

The 30-year newspaper veteran began his career in journalism with the Irish Press Group in 1988. He joined ‘The Irish Daily Star’ in 1995, where he has held senior roles including Sports Editor, Managing Editor and, most recently, Editor. He was also previously Head of News at the ‘Tallaght Echo’ newspaper.

“I am really looking forward to this exciting new role and working with the enormous talent at both titles,” Mr Gibson said. “I would like to thank all my colleagues at the ‘Irish Star’ for their friendship and support throughout my many happy years at the newspaper.”

Group Editor-in-Chief Stephen Rae said he looked forward to working closely with Mr Gibson on plans for both INM tabloid titles. “I would like to congratulate Des on his exciting new role overseeing the seven-day operation at the ‘Sunday World’ and ‘Herald’,” Mr Rae said. “A key element of his strategy is around growing the number of news investigations in our titles and giving readers a diverse and vibrant offering of journalism in the ‘Herald’ and ‘Sunday World’.”

Gerry Lennon, Managing Director of the ‘Sunday World’ and ‘Irish Daily Star’, said: “Des Gibson will bring a wealth of tabloid experience to both ‘The Herald’ and ‘Sunday World’. He has done a fantastic job at the ‘Star’ and we wish him well in this new and exciting role within INM.”