N&S’ Ellice takes helm at Express

Northern & Shell’s joint managing director Martin Ellice is set to oversee marketing for The Express, Sunday Express and Daily Star.

Ellice has responsibility for marketing and circulation at Northern & Shell which bought the titles for &£125m from United News & Media last Wednesday.

Express Newspapers commercial director Paul Woolfenden oversaw marketing at the titles prior to the takeover by N&S.

Joint managing director for N&S Stan Myerson is to oversee advertising sales on the titles.

As Marketing Week went to press Woolfenden, Express newspapers’ group ad director Richard Bogie and managing director Andy Jonesco were understood to be still working for the company.

In an unconnected move Elaine Robertson, general manager, marketing is to leave Express Newspapers.

There is still no decision on the future of four unprofitable websites that N&S acquired as part of Express Newspapers – Sport Line, Company Leader, Express.co.uk and All About Parenting. Up to 40 staff working on the sites could be made redundant.

It is understood that Northern & Shell is facing a projected annual loss of &£8m from the four sites.

Richard Desmond, chairman of Northern & Shell has said that he intends to increase the circulation of The Express to more than 2 million to rival the current mid-market leader the Daily Mail.

The Daily Express’s average net circulation was down 2.47 per cent year on year to 1,055,336 for the six months ending October, according to the latest figures from the Audit Bureau of Circulations. While the Daily Mail recorded a 0.79 per cent rise in its average net circulation to 2,389,489.

This week’s Express is carrying vouchers for a discount on sister magazine OK! while The Daily Mail is offering readers a free copy of Hello!