The Independent today announces that it has appointed Louise Thomas as its US Editor.

Louise will be leaving her role as US Editor of MailOnline to lead the continued expansion of The Independent in a market where it has already become one of the fastest-growing news brands.

She will head up an editorial team which has increased by 50% in the last year to around 45 people across its offices in New York, Washington DC and LA.

Louise will bring a wealth of experience to The Independent’s team, with more than 20 years of experience in US and British journalism, starting in local news before moving to MailOnline as News Editor in 2012, where she led the restructuring of the newsroom and launched the publication’s first dedicated politics team.

Louise moved to New York as Deputy Editor in 2016, before becoming Editor in 2019, where she set up the features department and developed the newsroom’s strategy.

Her move follows the appointment of Zach Leonard to the new role of Global COO and President, North America, where he has already helped The Independent become a top 10 US news brand, with 44% year on year audience growth.

Louise Thomas said: “I’m delighted to join The Independent, one of the great brands in journalism – and I’m especially excited to take on a new challenge by taking the helm of the already successful US operation. I’m looking forward to joining the excellent team of editors and reporters already working at The Independent in America – and for us all to work together to take this exciting digital news brand to the next level in the U.S.”

Geordie Greig, Editor-in-Chief of The Independent, said: “I am so pleased to have Louise Thomas join us. She’s an exceptionally talented journalist and leader in the digital world who will bring enormous experience and creativity to our American team. Her appointment is part of our growth and expansion in the US and we are looking forward to her leading us to even greater heights.”

Zach Leonard, President, North America, added: “’Louise brings significant editorial perspective and expertise to The Independent’s US strategic goals. Her leadership will accelerate audience growth and enhance journalistic quality in our fastest growing market – through the US election and beyond.”