Marketing chief joins NI prior to freesheet launch

News International Free Newspapers (NIFN) has appointed Nicole Refson as its first marketing chief. She joins the publishing group from Harrods.

Refson, who joined this week as marketing manager, will work with general manager Ian Clark (pictured) on the launch of a 48-page afternoon newspaper, thelondonpaper. It will be introduced in the next six weeks.

Steve Goodman, managing director, print trading, Group M, who has seen a dummy of the newspaper, says it is “full colour with good use of photographs and is very engaging”.

The launch will be handled by MindShare, which already handles the planning and buying for News International, and NIFN is also in talks with an advertising agency, thought to be News International incumbent Euro RSCG.

Clark refused to comment further on the details of the paper but described it as “a modern compact newspaper for young Londoners”. He is planning an initial print run of 400,000.

Refson, who was Harrods’ advertising and promotions controller, will not be directly replaced. Advertising and promotions manager Bhauna Patel will take on her duties.