118 118 Hit by departure of commercial director

The Number 118 118s top marketer Martin Hall has left the directory enquiries company after less than a year. It is not known whether he has a job to go to.

118%20118The Number 118 118’s top marketer Martin Hall has left the directory enquiries company after less than a year. It is not known whether he has a job to go to.

Hall joined 118 118 last year (MW April 26, 2007) and had overall responsibility for the brand and its high-profile advertising, featuring two mustachioed runners. He also had responsibility for its Irish business, 118 50.

It is not clear whether Hall, who reported to European chief executive Mark Horgan, will be directly replaced.

Horgan is currently overseeing marketing activity for The Number and a spokesman adds: “Mark has always taken a very close interest in our marketing and is an experienced marketing operator.”

Before joining The Number, Horgan was UK executive director of MFI, where he oversaw commercial strategy, marketing and financial services.

Hall was brought in above marketing director Mark Evans, who reported to him until he became product and services director. Evans has now moved to The Number’s classified business 118 Media.

Evans was appointed as The Number’s marketing director in 2006 to replace Alex Lewis, who left to join BSkyB. Evans, who was previously innovation director, was reporting to Horgan before Hall was appointed.

Hall joined The Number from Premier Foods, where he was general manager for its convenience business. He was one of Premier’s most senior marketers and oversaw the launch of Branston Beans. He is also a former brand manager for Walkers Crisps.

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