Birmingham Evening Mail editor Steve Dyson has made some senior staff changes at the paper in preparation for a major relaunch of the title.

Birmingham Post assistant editor Carole Cole is to become the Mail’s new deputy editor, and Stacey Barnfield is to become design editor, having previously been editor of Trinity Mirror Midlands’ magazines division.

Carole

The changes follow Steve’s appointment as editor earlier this year. No firm details about the relaunch have yet been revealed, but he has previously spoken of increasing the Mail’s grassroots news and putting more emphasis on campaigns, as well as enhancing the paper’s sports coverage.

Stacey

Stacey will also work closely with assistant editor (production) Mike Macklin and chief sub Gary Denning on a total redesign of the paper.

Steve said: “We will soon be making some major changes to the paper and, in Carole and Stacey, I am delighted to have brought in fresh faces that can assist me in leading that programme.

“They will be joining an experienced, quality team of existing desk heads who are ready for some serious challenges and efforts on content and design, in order to deliver reader satisfaction and a much better overall performance.

“This rich mix of desk heads will be working closely with all their teams, ensuring that everyone is prepared for the biggest change the Mail’s had for more than 30 years, when it went tabloid.”

Carole and Stacey will take on their new roles on September 5, and from the same date the Mail’s current assistant editor Alf Bennett will take on the redefined role of assistant editor (content), helping to shape a stylish and valuable content agenda for the paper.

Former Mail deputy editor Colin Clark has left the company.

Mark Dickinson, editorial director for Trinity Mirror Midlands, said: “Things are on the move here in Birmingham and we are determined to ensure that the top people are used in the best ways to improve the company’s performance.

“These changes will be the first in a number of exciting announcements both for this year and in 2006.”