Publications group Northcliffe Media has appointed Karen Wall as executive director of talent, culture, communication and marketing.

Wall, currently assistant managing director of Metro, began her career at the Bank of Ireland, joining Northcliffe in 1997 as marketing executive. She then moved to the Metro newspaper in 1999, progressing from media executive, to marketing manager, head of marketing and then marketing director.

Northcliffe Media group managing director, Steve Auckland, says: “This is a key appointment for Northcliffe. If we are to attract and develop the best talent in the business then we must have the top operator in charge of talent and culture.

”Metro has been recognised as having the most innovative trade marketing campaigns in the business. This has been developed and delivered under Karen’s control. Her skills are easily transferable to Northcliffe and this will ensure we develop at an even quicker pace and grow the business.”

Wall joins Northcliffe Media on 17 October.

I’m looking forward to joining Northcliffe Media. My new role is a great opportunity to apply my learnings from Metro to another business in the group. People development, great communication and a strong culture are essential for a business that is going through significant change