Thomas steps into the role left open by the departure of Neil Wallis, who surprised the industry with his decision to quit to become deputy editor of rival tabloid News International's News of the World. Since Wallis left, The People has been in the hands of deputy editor Alan Edwards.
Thomas, who began his career at The People, has been Sunday Mirror editor Tina Weaver's deputy for the past two years. He is a former assistant editor (features) on sister title the Daily Mirror and chief reporter of the News of the World.
According to Weaver: "I've absolutely no doubt Mark is the best man to edit The People. He's been a tremendous deputy to me and is well equipped to take on the challenge."
Thomas faces an uphill struggle at the paper, which despite a £2m relaunch last year is haemorrhaging readers to Richard Desmond's Daily Star Sunday. In the latest ABCs for February, The People's total circulation was 1,142,294, a month-on-month fall of 3.99%.
Mark Haysom, Trinity Mirror managing director, said: "Mark is a highly skilled and experienced operator with a proven track record. I'm delighted he's returning to The People in the top job and look forward to working with him to ensure the continued success of this valuable title."
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