Karen (pictured) began her career at the Bank of Ireland, joining Northcliffe in 1997 as Marketing Executive. She then joined Metro in 1999, 6 months after its launch, progressing from Media Executive, to Marketing Manager, Head of Marketing, and then Marketing Director in just five years.
Wall quickly built an industry reputation for innovative trade marketing, and was a finalist for Young Marketer of the Year in 2004.
In May 2007 Karen was appointed Assistant MD of Associated Newspapers Free Division, with responsibility for Marketing, PR, Talent & Culture and Research. Karen grew the Metro brand, bringing it to life internally and building a strong culture for employees. As a result, Metro was ranked as one of the Sunday Times Best Small Companies in 2003 and has been included in Britain’s Top Employers every year since 2005. This year, Metro ranked second in the mid-size companies’ category, scoring five stars in all five categories and received praise for creating a unique culture and retaining great talent.
As part of her role at Metro, Karen championed people development, which resulted in people moving into senior roles in the business, and in Metro being named as an Investor in People company in 2006.
Karen acted as Metro’s brand champion to ensure the core principles were adhered to and to keep Urbanites at the centre of all activity, spearheading Metro’s biggest consumer sponsorship deal in the Metro Weekender festival.
She has been credited with creating Metro as an iconic urban brand, and was an integral part of the team that transformed the product from a London only commuter title to an urban national phenomenon.
Karen was also Chief Operating Officer for London Lite, the 400,000 copy free afternoon title.
Steve Auckland, Group Managing Director of Northcliffe Media said: “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 & Culture. Metro has been recognised as having the most innovative trade marketing campaigns in the business. This has been developed and delivered under her control. Her skills are easily transferrable to Northcliffe and this will ensure we develop at an even quicker pace and grow the business.”
Karen Wall said: “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.”
Karen will join Northcliffe Media on 17th October.
