The Express is to launch two websites and is on the hunt for an ad
manager and two sales executives to complete an ad sales team of
five.
Virgin Net’s editor, Robert Leedham, was recruited last week as managing
editor of the online operation. David Lilley has also joined as head of
business development for new media from Future’s contract publishing
operation.
Both Leedham and Lilley will report to Anne Mollen who was recently
promoted to director of new media. She was formerly head of business
development across Express Newspapers.
Mollen is finding it difficult to find people with online
experience.
’It is more important that they are good sales people who are
enthusiastic about the web and use it in their personal life,’ she
said.
One of the new sites will be a women’s lifestyle site to be run by
Christina Hopkinson, the launch editor of charlottestreet.com, who has
been poached from Associated New Media.
The content of the other new site has not been revealed although ’it
will focus on one of The Express’s key editorial strengths.’ The Express
has three websites - MegaStar, SportLive and express.co.uk.