Regional publisher Northcliffe Media has appointed Lesa Brown to the newly created role of sales development director – advertising with a brief to develop best practise across the company’s advertising teams.

Lesa moves from the position of director of sales effectiveness and will report to group commercial adviser Margaret Hilton.

During her nine years with the company Lesa’s other roles have included display director at the Nottingham Post and advertising director at Southwest Media Group.

Group managing director Steve Auckland said:  “I am delighted we’ve been able to make this appointment. Lesa has a wealth of experience and will provide a huge amount of support to Margaret Hilton as we take an even greater customer focused approach.”