THE former editor of the Daily Mail has been appointed as editor in chief of The Independent.

Geordie Greig, who has also served as editor of the Mail on Sunday and the Evening Standard, edited the Daily Mail for four years.

During his time at the Mail on Sunday, he supported the Remain campaign ahead of the 2016 Brexit referendum. 

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Commenting on his appointment, he said: “I am delighted to become editor in chief of The Independent, the only title that has successfully made the transition from national newspaper to global news platform, whilst maintaining editorial integrity and remaining profitable throughout.

“I look forward to leading the brilliant editorial team that is successfully making journalism a force for good.

“Unquestionably, given the world we live in, this has never been more important.”

The Independent moved to a digital-only model in 2016 with the last print issue being published in March of that year.

It is part-owned by Evgeny Lebedev, the Russian businessman who was proprietor of the Evening Standard during Greig’s time there.

Greig also briefly oversaw The Independent as editorial director almost a decade ago.

Independent Digital News & Media’s chairman John Paton said: “Geordie Greig’s appointment as editor in chief is a defining moment for The Independent as we continue to focus on growing the business.

“Geordie’s experience will be critical as we look to further build news teams around the world to extend our global reach, whilst also maintaining the values and integrity of The Independent as we expand.