Northcliffe makes two senior appointments

Michelle Gesell, currently Managing Director of the Derby Telegraph has been appointed Managing Director of the West Midlands covering Staffordshire Sentinel News and Media and Central Independent Newspapers. Michelle joined Northcliffe in 1995 and has held a number of senior roles in Hull, Stoke and more recently Derby.

Steve Hall (pictured), editor of the Derby Telegraph, is promoted to Managing Director. His expanded role will see him continue to set editorial strategy and take on the added responsibility for the P&L and leadership across the whole business. Steve joined Northcliffe in 1986 and edited the Exeter Express and Echo before his appointment in 2005 as editor in Derby.

Rich Mead, Northcliffe Media Executive Director said: “It’s great both of these are internal appointments demonstrating we can develop people within the business to take on more responsibility and bigger roles.

“Steve was recently named editor of the year at the 2012 Regional Press awards. I know he will do a great job getting the whole business to work closely together to produce quality print and digital products for both readers and advertisers.

“Michelle has done a fantastic job over the last three years in Derby. She has risen through the ranks at Northcliffe and will bring invaluable commercial experience to both Stoke and Tamworth.”

The changes are effective from Monday 2 July 2012.