Thomson House in Cardiff

His appointment ends weeks of speculation about the future direction of the Trinity Mirror regional centre which last week announced a �17.5m investment in a new printing press to be built in Cardiff Bay.

Two early contenders for the job were believed to have been Thomson House insiders Neil Fowler, editor of the Western Mail, and Chris Pitson, the centre's finance director.

Mr Dye's appointment should usher in a new period of continuity for the Cardiff centre's management team, following the recent transfer of two senior executives to Trinity Mirror's group headquarters at Canary Wharf.

The former managing director, Gavin Steacy, and the former editor of the South Wales Echo, Robin Fletcher, are involved in policy planning for the organisation.

Trinity Mirror is the largest regional newspaper publisher in the UK, with titles including the Daily Post and the Liverpool Echo.

The new press, which replaces the current city-centre facility, is timetabled to be operational next year.

It will require the construction of a purpose-built building.