Magic picks former Jazz FM chief for top job

Magic 105.4, the EMAP-owned radio station, has appointed former Jazz FM head of marketing Nicola Thomson as its marketing director. She will take over in March.

Thomson, who is on maternity leave, had been working with the station as a consultant earlier this year. Her appointment is part of a major push by EMAP behind the Magic brand aimed at driving awareness and increasing its audience. She will work alongside Magic marketing manager Susan Brown, who joined from GCap Media earlier in the year.

Magic managing director Andria Vidler says Thomson’s appointment is the next step in Magic’s development. Vidler has made a number of changes to the station since taking over as managing director in the summer, including increasing investment in programming and marketing (MW August 4). She also appointed Neil Fox as the station’s breakfast show DJ.

Magic also launched a &£1m advertising campaign, created by St Luke’s, to emphasise the station’s music- focused positioning (MW September 8). A second burst of advertising will run over Christmas.

Thomson was previously head of marketing at Jazz FM, where she was responsible for the rebranding of the station, including scrapping its chameleon brand icon, after it was acquired by Guardian Media Group.

She was also part of the team that launched Carlton Screen Advertising in the UK and Ireland.