Williams initially worked at NME on a freelance basis and then as features editor of the magazine in September 2010.
He takes over the editorship of the iconic music title at a time when it is suffering from flagging circulation of its printed issue, although its brand offshoots are performing well.
According to Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABCs) figures, the NME suffered a 14% year-on-year fall in its average circulation to 27,650 in the six months to December 2011- contining a trend of long-standing decline at the title.
In 2008, the printed issue of the title reported a circulation of 56,284 – more than double its current circulation.
But the NME website and its other brand offshoots are attracting fans.
Williams was promoted to deputy editor in June 2011, working across NME's multiple platforms.
During his time as deputy editor, Williams worked on various special projects, including planning and co-ordinating the editorial coverage of the magazine's 60th birthday celebrations.
Prior to joining NME, he was editor of Kruger magazine, which he launched in 2004 and edited for six years, during which time he was named Editor of the Year at the Record of the Day Awards in 2009.
Under his leadership, Kruger magazine went from a small fanzine in Cardiff to become a national magazine with multi-platform offshoots, including a website, a live sessions site, a subscriber-based download label and gig promotions arm.
Williams said: "Krissi Murison has done an amazing job as my predecessor, and I'm totally honoured to pick up the baton from her. My challenge is to make NME magazine and the wider NME brand even sharper, our message more coherent, and to engage even more with NME's audience of passionate music fans."
Emily Hutchings, publishing director for NME said: "After an extensive recruitment process, I am absolutely thrilled to announce Mike Williams as the next editor of NME.
"He brings with him a wealth of editorial experience, as well as knowledge in managing multi-platform brand extensions. Mike demonstrated a clear strategic vision and passion for NME that will help take the brand on to even greater success."
Nick Batten on Twitter
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