A former editor of the Derby Telegraph has joined website, creative and digital marketing agency Purpose Media as a non-executive director.
Steve Hall – who was also editor-in-chief for Telegraph parent company Reach Plc across the East Midlands – has been brought in to help and support the Purpose Media management team led by managing director Matt Wheatcroft and directors Tim Lenton and Claudio Devanzo.
Mr Hall left Reach at the end of 2018, shortly before joining the board of East Midlands marketing and brand agency Champions (海角视频) Plc, a post which he left last summer.
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He has 37 years’ experience in journalism and running newspaper businesses and news operations across eight sites, including Derby, Nottingham and Leicester.
He was named 海角视频 Editor of the Year in 2011, and twice won the 海角视频 Regional Newspaper of the Year awards.
He also holds a non-executive director role at Marketing Derby where he is publisher of its Innovate magazine.
Based in South Normanton on the Notts/Derby border, Purpose Media employs more than 30 website development, creative and digital marketing specialists and is planning to expand the team further with a least three new appointments by the summer to underpin anticipated growth.
Mr Hall said: “I have long been an admirer of Purpose Media’s reputation for excellence and I’m particularly impressed by everyone’s commitment to gaining a deep understanding of client needs and maintaining a laser focus on generating impressive results.
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“They’ve done brilliantly during lockdown to maintain and build their business and there is a steely determination to come out of restrictions in a stronger position by investing in the team and niche marketing programmes.
“I am delighted to be joining a company which is packed full of energy, talent, creativity and ambition, and I hope to guide future decisions in order to capitalise on the current high demand for digital marketing skills.”
Matt Wheatcroft said: “Steve brings exactly the type of experience and industry contacts we need at present.
“I have always acknowledged the value non-executive directors can bring to a growing business like Purpose Media as their prior insight and knowledge is invaluable.
“Steve has definitely ‘been there and got the T-shirt’ and has successfully guided many businesses through economic booms and dips. I am really pleased to have him on our team.”
Mr Hall runs his own consultancy and chairs the Derby County Community Trust. He is also an associate lecturer in journalism at the University of Derby.