Halifax Cards appoints first marketing director

Halifax Card Services has poached Citibank’s UK consumer marketing director Martin Johnson to be its first director of marketing.

Johnson starts on April 2 and will have responsibility for card acquisition, customer relationship marketing, marketing services, marketing information, e-commerce and telemarketing.

He will report to James Corcoran, managing director of Halifax Card Services.

The Card Services division was created in June 2000 when Halifax bought the UK card business of US company Bank One. Since then marketing has been overseen by Judy D’Albertson, head of acquisition marketing. She retains her position.

Bank One director of marketing Paul Bridge quit in 1999 just before the company announced it was selling its UK interests. As a result, marketing activity ceased and the position was put on hold until after the acquisition.

Halifax has 2 million credit card customers and wants to reach 3 million over the next three years. There are 40 million credit and charge card in the UK. This is set to double by 2005.

Johnson says: “This is one of the great marketing opportunities in UK retail financial services today. Halifax Card Services enjoys tremendous expertise in the credit card market, combined with the strength and reputation of the Halifax brand.”

Corcoran adds: “Johnson will play a central role in the future growth of the company.”