News International Poaches Express Marketing Chief
News International has poached Express Group Newspapers’ Roland Agambar to fill the shoes of Belinda Furneaux-Harris as the company’s marketing director in charge of flagship titles the Sun and News of the World.
The appointment marks the third marketing director in as many years for the newspaper giant following the surprise departure of Furneaux-Harris earlier this year after less than 12 months in the job (see News Group Appoints New Marketing Director).
The move is a return to Agambar’s roots, bringing him back to News International after his departure two and a half years ago to launch the Sunday Star for Richard Desmond’s newspaper business.
Commenting on Agambar’s appointment Camilla Rhodes, managing director of News Group Newspapers, said: “I am very pleased to announce that Roland will be returning to News Group Newspapers. He has an extensive knowledge of the tabloid market place and moreover a good understanding of our titles.”
She added: “I am sure his experience in newspaper marketing will be an excellent addition to our existing team.”
Both the Sun and the News of the World have suffered circulation declines recently, with the Sun losing 4.8% year on year in the six months to September and the News of the World losing 2.2% in the same period.
The departure of Agambar will be a major blow to Express Group Newspapers, as the company prepares to launch what is arguably its largest project to date – the launch of a new London free-sheet to compete with the Metro and Evening Standard.
The title, reportedly registered under the name London i, is understood to have all the major commercial players in place and is ready to go. However, Desmond is believed to be awaiting the outcome of an OFT investigation into a distribution deal between DMGT and London Underground (see Desmond Eyes New Name For Planned London Free-Sheet).
News International: 020 7782 3922 www.newscorp.co.uk
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